Live updates: Patriots battle Broncos with trip to Super Bowl on the line

DENVER — The New England Patriots face the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game on Sunday.

The Patriots have a strong offense, ranked third overall, while the Broncos boast the league’s second-best defense.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes last week. Denver’s defense led the league with 68 sacks this season.

Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham is making his first start since 2023 with Bo Nix (ankle) out.

Both teams are coming off big wins, with the Patriots defeating the Texans and the Broncos beating the Bills in overtime. The Broncos are 4-0 against New England at home in the playoffs.

The winner goes to the Super Bowl!

The game kicks off at 3 p.m.

Follow live updates:

3 p.m.

The Patriots hit the field and kick off to the Broncos to begin the game.

LET'S GO PATS. pic.twitter.com/aue5o5BzVV
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026

Squaddddddd pic.twitter.com/5SD1neQIw9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026

2:55 p.m.

Leave it all out there 😤 pic.twitter.com/oVa6A2M03T
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026

Let the big dogs come out 😈@mackhollins | @miltonw_12 pic.twitter.com/aInklGRC89
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026

2:50 p.m.

Getting close! #AFCChampionshipGame Both fullsqauds on the field warming up #Patriots #Broncos Boston Media in the pressbox ready to capture it all @boston25 @Michael_Pitts25 @mraimonditv @ocktalks @rachelkellertv @KerryKavanaugh @ksullivannews @KevinBoston25 @tuckerweather pic.twitter.com/lktCichbcJ
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

2:45 p.m.

Uni’s today in Denver @boston25
-#Broncos Orange tops, white pants
-#Patriots All Whites@ocktalks @rachelkellertv @Michael_Pitts25 @mraimonditv @KevinBoston25 @VickiGrafWX @tuckerweather @KerryKavanaugh @ksullivannews pic.twitter.com/MDaNN2e8po
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

1:30 p.m.

Patriots inactives for #NEvsDEN. pic.twitter.com/2wjCvYAAF9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026

12:58 p.m.

In Denver #DrakeMaye has arrived @boston25 @ocktalks @Michael_Pitts25 @mraimonditv @rachelkellertv @KerryKavanaugh @KevinBoston25 #Patriots pic.twitter.com/cJACSTSeOk
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

12:21 p.m.

More #Patriots arrivals in Denver pregame @boston25 pic.twitter.com/p0FLR290WB
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

12:19 p.m.

In Denver #Patriots arrive @EmpowerField @boston25 Best arrival ever Mack Hollins “Warriors, come out and play” pic.twitter.com/wmLUJ1hUHs
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

11:39 a.m.

Walking onto @EmpowerField at Mile High this morning . Special guest appearance by @scottzolak @boston25 #patriots #AFCChampionshipGame pic.twitter.com/uTXRYrp0ze
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

11:31 a.m.

Will be tweeting all day for the #AFCChampionshipGame on @boston25 here’s a scene center as I walked in to the stadium just about a half an hour ago pic.twitter.com/tLGXcTNtyJ
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

10:29 a.m.

Connecting the pieces 🧩🔥 pic.twitter.com/xuyJr8Lssf
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026

8:00 a.m.

Up bright & early for #Patriots Gameday on @boston25 Join us this morning from Denver 8-10AM (6-8 here) for live updates on the #AFCChampionship @ksullivannews @KerryKavanaugh @NicoleGabeTV pic.twitter.com/2PdITXTrjO
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) January 25, 2026

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