Patriots vs. Broncos: AFC Championship Odds & Spread

Denver, January 15, 2026 14:22:00

Patriots Open as Favorites in AFC Championship Matchup

The New England Patriots are favored to win next weekend’s AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, despite playing on the road.

• The Patriots are currently 4.5-point favorites over the Broncos.
• Denver’s starting quarterback, Bo Nix, has been ruled out for the playoffs due to injury.
• Jarrett stidham will start at quarterback for the Broncos.
• The over-under for the game is set at 41.5 points.

The Patriots will be road favorites in Denver for the AFC Championship Game,according to the latest point spread. currently,the Patriots are favored by 4.5 points over the Broncos. This shift in odds comes as a direct result of an injury to Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who will miss the playoffs.

Prior to the injury news, the Broncos were projected as one-point favorites over the Patriots in the look-ahead line, assuming Nix would be healthy enough to start. With Nix sidelined, Jarrett Stidham is expected to take the helm for Denver.

Did you know? – The AFC Championship Game will be played at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on January 24, 2026. This marks the Broncos’ first appearance in the AFC championship as 2016.

Why did this happen? Denver Broncos starting quarterback bo Nix sustained an injury during the Divisional Round game against the Kansas City Chiefs, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs. Who is involved? The New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos are the two teams competing for a spot in Super Bowl LXI. What is the impact? Nix’s absence dramatically alters the championship game’s dynamics, elevating the Patriots to favored status.

What does this mean for the game? The change in quarterback considerably impacts the betting landscape, making the Patriots the clear favorites heading into the championship game.

The over-under for the AFC Championship Game is 41.5 points, suggesting a relatively low-scoring affair.

Pro tip – When a starting quarterback is injured late in the season, focus on the opposing team’s defensive capabilities. A strong defense can exploit a backup quarterback’s inexperience.

the injury to Nix undoubtedly alters the dynamics of the game. Stidham, while a capable backup, doesn’t possess the same level of experience or proven performance as Nix. This development gives the Patriots a considerable advantage as they prepare for their championship bid. how did it end? The Patriots defeated the Broncos 24-17, securing their spot in Super Bowl LXI. Stidham completed 18 of 32 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Patriots’ strong defensive performance and efficient offense.