AFC Championship Game: Patriots vs. Broncos Kick Off Today at 3 p.m. ET
The New England Patriots and Denver Broncos clash today in the 2026 AFC Championship Game with a berth in Super Bowl LX on the line. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET from Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, with the winner advancing to face either the Seattle Seahawks or Los Angeles Rams.
What Time Are the Football Games On Today?
The AFC Championship Game between the Patriots and Broncos airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+ and NFL+. For those asking what time is the football game today, the Patriots vs. Broncos matchup is set for 3 p.m. ET, which translates to 1 p.m. local time in Colorado. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will provide play-by-play commentary, with sideline reporting from Tracy Wolfson and Evan Washburn.
Bo Nix Injury Forces Stidham to Start for Broncos
The Broncos’ starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury in overtime during Denver’s 33-30 divisional playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills. This unexpected turn forces Denver to turn to backup Jarrett Stidham to start the AFC Championship Game. Stidham, who previously started multiple games for the Broncos under coach Sean Payton in 2023, faces the daunting task of leading Denver’s elite defense against Patrick Mahomes-less New England.
The injury significantly shifted the betting line, with the Patriots moving from slight underdogs to 3.5-point road favorites in what was originally expected to be a closely contested AFC Championship matchup.
Patriots’ Playoff Momentum and Broncos’ Defense
New England enters the AFC Championship riding momentum from impressive playoff victories, dispatching both the Chargers and Texans by double digits. Drake Maye has delivered MVP-caliber regular season numbers and continues to perform well in the postseason despite facing elite defenses. The Patriots boast a 13-5-1 record against the spread this season and are 7-1 ATS on the road.
The Broncos counter with an elite defensive unit that ranked second in the NFL in total defense and third in scoring defense this season. Denver’s home field advantage at Empower Field is significant, as the Broncos were a perfect 3-0 ATS as a home underdog this season.
Weather in Denver Colorado and Game Conditions
Weather in Denver, Colorado is expected to be in the teens on game day, creating challenging conditions for the AFC Championship contest. The over/under for the game is set at 43 points, reflecting expectations of a defensive battle influenced by the weather conditions and personnel changes.
Expert Predictions and Super Bowl LX Implications
The majority of NFL experts have picked the Patriots to advance after Nix’s injury changed the game dynamics significantly. The Patriots’ balanced offense and stout defense position them well for a road playoff victory, though Denver’s defensive strength and home field advantage keep this AFC Championship competitive. The winner advances to Super Bowl LX, the biggest prize in football, making today’s game one of the most crucial contests of the NFL season.
