Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots AFC Championship preview: Kick-off time, news, prediction and how to watch on DAZN

This Sunday, the AFC Championship heads somewhere it hasn’t visited often in recent years: Denver, where the Broncos welcome the New England Patriots to Mile High with a Super Bowl berth on the line.

Denver have been the AFC’s most dominant team all year, earning the No. 1 seed on the back of a defense so imposing that the Broncos still pose a real threat despite losing starting quarterback Bo Nix.

New England, the conference's No. 2 seed, earned their spot with the help of sensational second-year quarterback Drake Maye, whose ascent is fuelling talk of a dynasty reborn.

The countdown is on, the pressure is mounting, and this showdown offers storylines everywhere you look. Make sure you're locked in with DAZN's latest offer, which gives you every playoff game, including Super Bowl LX, for just £9.99.

Players to watch

The headline news is that Jarrett Stidham, a career backup, is suddenly two wins from guiding the Broncos to football’s biggest stage.

Capable though his coaches and teammates say he is, the 29-year-old will need every bit of help from head coach and offensive supremo Sean Payton in a gameplan that will surely feature lots of checkdowns and a heavy dose of the running game led by rookie tailback R.J. Harvey.

• Read next | A brief history of Super Bowl backups: can Stidham join an exclusive club?

In Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims and tight end Evan Engram, Stidham has no shortage of weapons in the passing game. Whether he can make the most of that arsenal remains to be seen.

The task at hand will be challenging. Defensively, the Patriots are high on confidence after limiting their two playoff opponents - the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans - to a combined 19 points.

That unit, including cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, and Carlton Davis, has been on a tear, fresh off a Divisional Round masterclass that included four interceptions, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Mike Vrabel's offense is just as dangerous, with Patriots' quarterback Drake Maye playing so well that he's a leading contender for the league MVP.

At his disposal is an array of talented pass catchers, including veteran Stefon Diggs, youngster Kayson Boutte, and tight end Hunter Henry.

As potent as this aerial attack can be on its day, balance will be key. Tailbacks Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson offer exactly that in the running game.

Whether that balanced offense can get the better of this Denver defense is another matter. They lead the league in sacks (68) and are tied for second in fewest yards per carry allowed on the ground (3.9).

The Broncos have difference-makers at all three levels. Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, and Zach Allen spearhead a dangerous defensive line, Alex Singleton racks up tackles galore at linebacker, and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain leads a secondary that doesn't take any prisoners.

Notable injury news

The Patriots came through the Divisional Round with bumps and bruises, but no widespread fallout. The lone concern was cornerback Carlton Davis, who - after picking off C.J. Stroud twice - exited in the fourth quarter with a head injury.

The Broncos, Nix aside, are awaiting word on a few players. Running back J.K. Dobbins has been designated to return from IR and could suit up for this game.

In their game vs. the Bills, wideouts Pat Bryant suffered a concussion, and Troy Franklin suffered a hamstring injury. Center Alex Forsyth also left the game with an ankle injury.

This article will be updated nearer kickoff with the latest injury news.

Keys to the game

• Can Stidham rise to the occasion?: Eight career touchdowns, eight interceptions, and only one snap in the postseason. This is a tall order.
• Denver’s front vs New England’s protection: Rookie LT Will Campbell was solid in the regular season but has been exposed in the playoffs. Maye needs time in the pocket.
• Pace: Denver, familiar with playing at altitude, wants this fast and physical. New England needs to control the clock and dictate the tempo.

Kickoff date, time, and location

• Date: Sunday, January 25
• Kick-off time: 8pm GMT / 3pm ET / 12pm PT
• Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Prediction

On home turf, and considering the talent they have on that side of the ball, there's a world in which Denver's defense scores more points than their offense here. They're just that good.

But I tipped the Patriots, despite valid reservations about their soft schedule, to win this contest even before Nix was sidelined. So I must remain true to that prediction and go with a New England win.

Patriots 24 - 17 Broncos

How to watch the Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots on DAZN

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