Patriots reach Super Bowl LX after 10-7 AFC title win over Broncos in snowy Denver
New England punched its ticket to Super Bowl LX with a 10-7 victory over Denver in frigid, snowy conditions. Quarterback Drake Maye scored the Patriots’ lone touchdown on a short run, while the defense forced key turnovers late to close out the AFC Championship.
A defensive, weather-driven AFC Championship
The New England Patriots advanced to their 12th Super Bowl appearance by beating the Denver Broncos 10-7 in a sloppy, snow-affected AFC Championship game at Empower Field at Mile High. The cold and deteriorating conditions kept the scoring low and put a premium on field position and turnovers.
Quarterback Drake Maye threw for limited yardage but made critical plays with his legs, including a 6-yard rushing touchdown and a late run that helped New England run out the clock. The win also marked a marquee moment for first-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, whose team leaned on defense and situational execution.
Turnovers and a second-half edge
Denver struck first with a touchdown pass from fill-in starter Jarrett Stidham, who played after Bo Nix underwent ankle surgery. But the Patriots capitalized on two Broncos turnovers, including a late interception by cornerback Christian Gonzalez that sealed the outcome in the final minutes.
After halftime, New England opened with a long drive that ended in a field goal and proved to be the difference. Both teams missed multiple kicks in the frigid air, reinforcing how small mistakes can decide playoff games when the weather turns.
Super Bowl matchup set
With the AFC secured, New England will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks earned the NFC crown with a win over the Los Angeles Rams, setting up a high-profile championship rematch storyline for fans.
For the Patriots, the path forward will likely depend on whether their defense can maintain postseason form and whether the offense can generate more consistency than it showed in a game dominated by snow, wind, and field-position football.