Denver Broncos Reach AFC Championship
The Denver Broncos edged past the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime, marking their return to the AFC Championship for the first time in a decade. It seemed like the Bills were on the verge of clinching the game in overtime when Jaquan McMillian made a pivotal interception off a deep throw from Josh Allen. This set up the Broncos on their own 20-yard line, where they gained 47 yards—thanks to a couple of defensive pass interference calls—and ultimately secured a field goal for the victory.
Bo Nix found Marvin Mims Jr. for a 26-yard touchdown that put Denver ahead with just 55 seconds remaining, creating an impression they might finish the game in regulation. Yet, Buffalo managed to advance down the field, allowing Matt Prater to tie it up just before time ran out, pushing the game into overtime.
The contest was a real tug-of-war, but the Bills hurt themselves with turnovers. Allen tossed an interception and gave up two fumbles, while James Cook also contributed to the turnover count. It’s interesting to think—had they avoided just one mistake, the outcome could have been different. But now the Bills head home, while the Broncos prepare to host the AFC Championship.
Next Opponent for the Broncos
The Broncos will welcome the winner of the Texans vs. Patriots matchup taking place on Sunday at 3 PM ET. The AFC Championship game is scheduled for next Sunday around the same time. In the wild card round, the Texans triumphed over the Steelers on their turf, while the Patriots bested the Chargers at home.
Historical Matchups
Records vs. Patriots: Regular season 27-23, postseason 4-1
The Broncos have faced the Patriots since the AFL days, but haven’t met since Christmas Eve 2023. Their last playoff clash was in 2016, led by legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. The Broncos won that AFC Championship 20-18, in what turned out to be the final encounter between these two iconic quarterbacks. Denver went on to capture Super Bowl 50 that year at Levi’s Stadium, the same venue for this season’s Super Bowl.
Records vs. Texans: 7-4 regular season
Denver and Houston share a relatively brief history and have never dueled in the playoffs. They faced off earlier this season, where the Broncos narrowly won 18-15 in Week 9, clinching the game with a last-second field goal from Will Lutz.
AFC Championship Early Odds
Spread: to be decided
Total: to be decided
Money line: to be decided
Spread: to be decided
Total: to be decided
Money line: to be decided
Broncos’ Playoff Legacy
This marks the Broncos’ first return to the AFC Championship since 2016, the year they defeated the Patriots to advance to Super Bowl 50, ultimately beating the Panthers for the Lombardi Trophy. Interestingly, Denver was the top seed that season and now finds itself back at Levi’s Stadium, the site of this year’s Super Bowl.
This will be the 11th time the Broncos have reached the AFC Championship, having celebrated eight victories and two losses along the way.
