Broncos Make a Historic Return to the AFC Championship

The Denver Broncos have made a triumphant return to the AFC Championship game for the first time in a decade after securing a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying incredible resilience and determination.

In a moment that could have ended the game in favor of the Bills, Ja’Quan McMillian made a crucial interception on a deep pass from Josh Allen. This pivotal play gave the Broncos possession at their own 20-yard line, and they capitalized on a pair of defensive pass interference penalties that added up to 47 yards. This allowed them to drive down the field and eventually kick a game-winning field goal.

Earlier in the game, it seemed like the Broncos were set to end it in regulation when Bo Nix connected with Marvin Mims, Jr. for a 26-yard go-ahead touchdown with just 55 seconds remaining. However, the Bills managed to move down the field and set up Matt Prater for a tying field goal in the final moments of regulation, sending the game into overtime.

Throughout the match, the Bills struggled with turnovers, which proved to be a significant factor in their defeat. Josh Allen threw an interception and lost two fumbles, while James Cook also lost a fumble. If the Bills had avoided even one of these critical mistakes, it might have changed the outcome of the game. Instead, they will head home, while the Broncos get the opportunity to host the AFC Championship.

Next Playoff Opponent

The Broncos’ next opponent in the playoffs is the New England Patriots, who defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 in the Divisional Round. The Patriots will travel to face the Broncos in the AFC Championship game.

Denver will host the winner of Sunday’s game between the Texans and Patriots. That game is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET. The AFC Championship is set to take place at approximately 3 p.m. ET next Sunday. The Texans advanced by defeating the Steelers on the road in the Wild Card round, while the Patriots beat the Chargers at home.

Historical Matchups

Record vs. Patriots

The Broncos and Patriots have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to their days in the AFL. However, they haven’t faced each other since Christmas Eve in 2023. Their last playoff meeting came in 2016, when Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a 20-18 victory over Tom Brady’s Patriots in the AFC Championship. Denver went on to win Super Bowl 50 that year at Levi’s Stadium — the same venue where this year’s Super Bowl will be held.

The Broncos hold a 27-23 record against the Patriots in the regular season and a 4-1 record in the postseason.

Record vs. Texans

The Broncos and Texans have a limited history, having never met in the playoffs. They did play this season, with the Broncos winning 18-15 in Week 9. Denver secured the victory on a Wil Lutz field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter.

Early AFC Championship Odds

Broncos vs. Patriots

• Spread: Patriots -4.5
• Total: 40.5
• Moneyline: Patriots -245, Broncos +200

Broncos vs. Texans

• Spread: Texans -3.5
• Total: 34.5
• Moneyline: Texans -176, Broncos +148

Broncos Playoff History

This marks the Broncos’ return to the AFC Championship for the first time since 2016. In that year, they defeated the Patriots to advance to Super Bowl 50, where they went on to beat the Panthers and claim the Lombardi Trophy. Coincidentally, Denver was the No. 1 seed and won the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the same location where this year’s Super Bowl will be held.

This is the 11th time the Broncos have reached the AFC Championship. They have won eight times and lost twice.