Broncos vs. Patriots: AFC Championship Series
Broncos fall to Patriots in AFC Championship after Nix injury.
The Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills, 33–30, in the Divisional Round to advance to the AFC Championship Game. However, starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury on the second-to-last play. With backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham starting, the Broncos lost to the Patriots at home by a final score of 10–7.
Quick Facts
- First meeting
- January 4, 1987 (1986 season)
- Last meeting
- January 24, 2016 (2015 season)
- Total afc championship meetings
- 5
- Series record (patriots)
- 3-2
- Notable venue
- Mile High Stadium (later Sports Authority Field at Mile High) & Gillette Stadium
Lore & Background
The Broncos clinched their first AFC West division title and No. 1 seed since their 2015 Super Bowl-winning season, finishing tied with the New England Patriots, but earning the No. 1 seed based on the common games tiebreaker, and ending their 10 year drought since they last advanced past the first round of the playoffs.
Reader's Guide
The Broncos' defense held the Bengals scoreless for the remainder of the game after allowing a 26-yard field goal on the opening drive. The defense also recorded three sacks of Bengals' quarterback Jake Browning.
Did You Know?
- The Broncos tied a franchise record for wins in a single season with a 14–3 record, previously set in 1998.
- The Broncos became the first team in the AFC to clinch a playoff berth following their Week 15 win over the Green Bay Packers.
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