The Broncos could use another every-down starter on the perimeter, allowing Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., and Pat Bryant to slide into more rotational roles. Bell is coming off a late-season ACL tear, complicating his rookie campaign and dampening his draft stock. Even so, he can reasonably figure into Denver's long-term offensive plans.

Jarrett Stidham is the first QB to make his first start of the season in a conference title game after not attempting any regular season passes.

The Denver Broncos face the New England Patriots without their starting quarterback today in the 2026 AFC Championship game. Jarrett Stidham will start behind center for Denver, with MVP candidate Drake Maye leading the Pats.

Denver has led the NFL in sacks in each of the last two seasons, but with John Franklin-Myers scheduled to hit free agency in March, they could use more depth on the defensive line. The 2026 NFL draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

Preview the Denver Broncos' NFL Playoffs AFC Championship Game matchup with the Patriots, including live stream, TV channel, odds, and game

New England made a tiebreaking field goal before a snowstorm engulfed Empower Field at Mile High as the Patriots slipped into Super Bowl LX with a 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. After Andres Borregales from 23 yards out put New England ahead by three to cap a 16-play drive to open the second half of the AFC Championship Game,