Patriots head to Denver with Super Bowl trip on the line
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Drake Maye and the Pats are one road win away from the Super Bowl. Photo: Winslow Townson/Getty Images
The Patriots' road to the Super Bowl runs through Denver this weekend, with New England favored to make the title game for the first time since 2019.
Why it matters: The team's relatively short post-Brady stint in the NFL's middle class could end emphatically on Sunday.
State of play: The Pats, having entered the playoffs as the AFC's No. 2 seed, travel to face the No. 1 Broncos. But seeding doesn't tell the whole story.
- That's because Denver's quarterback, Bo Nix, broke his ankle in the last round.
The intrigue: Into Nix's place steps a familiar face to New Englanders: Jarrett Stidham, who was a Patriots fourth-round draft pick in 2019.
- After two seasons with the Pats and one with the Raiders, he's been a Bronco since 2023. Sunday's game will be just his fifth career start.
Yes, but: Denver's quarterback situation doesn't mean they're a pushover.
- The Broncos are led by their defense, which allowed the third-fewest points overall and the fewest yards per play in the league this season.
- On offense, Denver still has running back RJ Harvey, who led all rookies with 12 touchdowns this season and has five in his past six games.
What we're watching: All eyes will be on Drake Maye as he seeks to lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl in his first full season as the team's starting quarterback.
- If you think Drake Maye-nia is already in full swing, just wait until after a victory this weekend.
How to watch: 3pm Sunday on CBS or Paramount+.