Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ snap counts from their 10-7 win over the Broncos.

Christian Barmore easily beat first-team All-Pro Quinn Meinerz for a sack, helping the Patriots defense dominate Denver's top-ranked offensive line in the AFC Championship

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.

Kickoff for the conference title game has been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. MT (3:00 p.m. ET), and the game will be nationally televised on CBS. NFL fans can stream the Broncos - Patriots game on FuboTV.

The Broncos fell short of Super Bowl 60 in their AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots. But Nik Bonitto believes the better team is going home and not to Levi’s Stadium.

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.

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

Snowy conditions and key injuries — including Bo Nix’s absence — could turn Sunday’s matchup into a survival game in Denve

John Franklin-Myers and Alex Singleton both made their stance clear after the AFC Championship, addressing their free agency plans.