Drake Maye, Patriots Beat Broncos to Reach Super Bowl as Fans Rip Payton, Stidham After Nix Injury

The New England Patriots were once one of the greatest dynasties of the modern era, and now they have the chance to start a new run at the mountaintop.

The Patriots advanced to Super Bowl LX after defeating the Denver Broncos 10-7 in Sunday's AFC Championship Game. It's New England's first trip to the Super Bowl since legendary quarterback Tom Brady spearheaded its last title win in the 2018 season, the franchise's sixth championship.

Sunday's game started with clear conditions before snow buried Mile High Stadium in the second half, creating a defensive struggle that the Patriots were able to outlast. Star quarterback Drake Maye relied on his legs to score the team's lone touchdown and pick up timely first downs, including the game-sealing first down in the fourth quarter.

▶️ Full Patriots-Broncos Recap

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The Broncos opened the game with a 7-0 lead behind veteran backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who was playing in place of the injured Bo Nix. However, a key decision by head coach Sean Payton to go for it on fourth down stopped Denver from extending its lead to 10, and a turnover by Stidham led to New England's touchdown. Stidham also threw an interception in the fourth quarter that helped the Patriots ice the game.

Fans on social media didn't hold back their criticisms of the Broncos as the Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl:

Before Sunday, Stidham hadn't thrown a pass in the NFL since 2023. He finished 17-of-31 for 133 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble. Starting the AFC Championship Game proved to be a tall task for the veteran signal-caller after such a long layoff.

The Patriots will now have the chance to add a seventh Lombardi Trophy to their collection. New England will face the winner of Sunday's NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.