January football doesn’t get bigger than this. After seven long years, the New England Patriots are back on the AFC’s final stage. Standing in their way are the top-seeded Denver Broncos, hosting a championship game with everything on the line and no margin for error.
Sunday’s matchup blends urgency, pressure, and history. One team is chasing a return to glory. The other is trying to survive a sudden twist under center and finish a dream season at home.
How to Watch Patriots vs. Broncos AFC Championship Game
The AFC Championship Game will feature the Patriots visiting the Broncos, with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl.
Kickoff: Sunday, January 25
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Stadium: Empower Field at Mile High
TV Broadcast: CBS
Local TV: WBZ-TV Channel 4 (Boston area)
Streaming Options:
Paramount+
NFL+ (local mobile)
NFL Sunday Ticket (out of market)
NFL Game Pass (international)
SiriusXM App (NE: 821, DEN: 812, Spanish: 832)
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Radio Coverage:
Westwood One
98.5 The Sports Hub (New England)
SiriusXM (NE: 225, DEN: 226, National: 88, Spanish: 227)
Live coverage from Denver begins around 2:30 p.m. ET.
What’s at Stake in Denver
The Patriots arrive in the AFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2018 season, led by head coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye. New England flipped the script in 2025, winning the AFC East at 14-3Â and storming through the playoffs with dominant defensive performances.
The Patriots knocked off Houston 28-16 in the Divisional Round, intercepting C.J. Stroud four times and controlling the game from start to finish. They enter Sunday a perfect 8-0 on the road this season, a number that carries significant weight.
On the other hand, Denver secured the No. 1 seed after a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory against Buffalo. But the celebration came with a cost. Second-year quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury, forcing the Broncos to turn to Jarrett Stidham for the biggest start of his career.
Head coach Sean Payton will lean heavily on a defense that led the NFL in sacks and red-zone efficiency during the regular season. Denver also forced five takeaways last week, reinforcing the belief that this team can win with defense and discipline if the game tightens late.
Sunday’s game also carries deep history. New England is 11-4 all-time in AFC Championship Games. Denver stands at 8-2. The Broncos hold a 4-1 edge in postseason meetings, with home teams undefeated in the rivalry.
Three hours. One ticket to the Super Bowl. No holding back now.
