The AFC Championship begins at 3:00 PM ET today as the New England Patriots take on the Denver Broncos. The game will air on CBS, with the action being called by Jim Nantz and Tony Romo.
The Patriots are
back. Growing up, I cheered for Peyton Manning, but also respected the fact that Tom Brady was part of such a consistent dynasty. Year after year, the Patriots were advancing to the AFC Championship, and oftentimes the Super Bowl. From 2011-2018, they made it eight straight years. It almost feels like a surprise that it’s been so long, as 2025 marks their return to the big game. The Kansas City Chiefs, who were represented in the last six AFC Championships, did not make the postseason this year.
It’s been a big single-season turnaround for New England under new head coach Mike Vrabel. He has his team playing consistent week in and week out, with a solid defense and good quarterback play from second-year man Drake Maye. I think their offense has been a little “off” in these first two postseason games, but they’ve also faced the toughest defensive test in these playoffs. It doesn’t get any easier against the Denver Broncos, a team that features one of the league’s best pass rushes.
Last week, the Broncos had such a feel-good moment when they defeated the Buffalo Bills in overtime, only to have a state of confusion when the news broke that starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending injury at the end of the game. Now, the weight of the world is on Jarrett Stidham, with no one really sure how he will perform. Will Sean Payton try to go conservative and trust his receivers, offensive line, and running backs to make enough clutch plays for a close victory? Or, will Payton gamble and let Stidham sling it, with perhaps some trickery mixed into the playbook?
I think the story of this game will be the Broncos’ defense doing everything to help carry the team, and their offense will finish off just enough drives to get the win. Broncos 20, Patriots 17
What do you think, Browns fans? Use this as your open thread to discuss the game.
