AFC Championship Preview: Patriots Face Broncos Showdown
The New England Patriots are set to clash with the Denver Broncos for the sixth time in postseason history. This matchup holds significance as it marks the third meeting in the AFC Championship. Historical context reveals a competitive rivalry, with both teams having faced each other in three Divisional Playoffs and two AFC Championship Games.
AFC Championship History
In previous AFC Championship encounters, the Patriots have struggled, losing both times on the Broncos’ home turf. The first loss occurred in 2013, where the Patriots fell 26-16. The second defeat came in 2015, ending in a close score of 20-18. These games highlight the challenging environment the Patriots face when playing in Denver.
Postseason Record in Denver
- The Patriots have an overall postseason record of 0-4 in Denver.
- In addition to the two AFC Championship losses, New England lost in the Divisional rounds in 1986 and 2005.
The rivalry extends beyond the playoffs; the Patriots and Broncos have faced off 55 times overall, more than any other team outside of New England’s division. In the regular season, the Patriots’ record at Denver stands at 12 wins and 17 losses.
Recent Encounters
The last matchup between these teams took place during the 2023 season. The Patriots managed to secure a victory on December 24, 2023, with a score of 26-23, providing a recent morale boost for the team.
Rivalry Origins
The roots of this rivalry can be traced back to the American Football League’s inception in 1960. Notably, the Patriots and Broncos met in the first game of each franchise. The inaugural game ended with a Denver victory, 13-10, on September 9, 1960, at BU Field in Boston. This historic rivalry continued with frequent matchups, especially in the decade leading to the AFL-NFL merger.
As the AFC Championship approaches, the Patriots seek to overcome their past struggles against the Broncos and change the narrative of this longstanding rivalry.
