NFL bold predictions for the AFC Championship playoff game

[ASFN Admin]

The AFC Championship game is set as the number two seed, the New England Patriots, head to Denver to face the number one seed, the Broncos. The two teams were the best in the AFC all season long, so the matchup isn’t surprising, yet there is one major factor that gives the Patriots the edge.

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Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) stands next to quarterback Bo Nix (10)) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix injured his ankle at the end of the game last week and will miss the remainder of the season. This news makes the Patriots a clear favorite in this game, but don’t count the Broncos out. Here are the bold predictions and a score prediction for the game on Sunday.

New England Patriots​

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Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) celebrates with quarterback Drake Maye (10), wide receiver Efton Chism III (86) and wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

• Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has over 100 all-purpose yards

• Patriots QB Drake Maye turns the ball over twice

• Patriots WR Stefon Diggs catches 8 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown

• Patriots TE Hunter Henry is held to just three catches

• The Patriots defense records 4 sacks

Denver Broncos​

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Oct 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) runs against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

• Broncos RB RJ Harvey is held to under 40 rushing yards

• Broncos TE Evan Engram has his best game of the season and scores a touchdown

• Broncos QB Jarett Stidham throws two touchdown passes and has no turnovers

• Broncos WR Courtland Sutton is completely shut down by Christian Gonzalez

• The Broncos defense forces three turnovers and records five sacks

Final Score Prediction: Patriots 23 – Broncos 20






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