The first playoff game of the day is underway, featuring the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. So far, it has been a defensive matchup, and with 9 minutes left in the second quarter, Denver had the ball in the red zone. The Broncos had a chance to go up by two scores by kicking the field goal, but on fourth down, HC Sean Payton made a questionable decision.
NFL World Reacts to Sean Payton’s Costly Decision
Instead of taking that field goal to go up by 10, the Broncos attempted to go for it on fourth down. This was a risky decision, but with only 1 yard to pick up, a number of plays could have gotten the first down. Instead of those plays, Payton decided to throw to his backup QB, Jarrett Stidham, but the play failed.
After this play, the NFL World had some opinions on the decision:
Benjamin Allbright, the Broncos insider, said, “Weird 4th and a foot call”.
Weird 4th and a foot call
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 25, 2026
Former NFL player Damien Woody wrote, “I would take the points”.
“Go up two scores. Go up two scores. Go up two scores.” Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk repeated.
Go up two scores. Go up two scores. Go up two scores.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 25, 2026
Rob Collins declared, “Denver should take the points. #AFCChampionship”.
Denver should take the points. #AFCChampionship
— Rob Collins (@RobCollinsTV) January 25, 2026
“TAKE THE POINTS”, said former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel.
TAKE THE POINTS
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) January 25, 2026
One account said, “BRONCOS STOPPED ON 4TH AND 1” “not a fan of that play call.”
BRONCOS STOPPED ON 4TH AND 1
not a fan of that play call.pic.twitter.com/B2m1tHB5Nr
— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 25, 2026
Cowboys legend Dez Bryant questioned, “What’s up with Coach Payton not kicking the field goal?” and made a video saying:
What’s up with Coach Payton not kicking the field goal?👀 pic.twitter.com/HJuz6cdwxo
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 25, 2026
NFL analyst, Matt Harmon, attempted to explain the decision, “That sure seemed like something between a ‘feeling myself’ and ‘I think 14-0 is a potential dagger in this game’ go for it on fourth down attempt by Sean Payton.”
That sure seemed like something between a “feeling myself” and “I think 14-0 is a potential dagger in this game” go for it on fourth down attempt by Sean Payton. https://t.co/tMA5C7UJJY
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) January 25, 2026
Clearly, going for it on fourth down was a confusing one, and everyone around the league has come to the same conclusion.
Will the Broncos recover from that mistake?
