Patriots Win the Defensive Fight in Denver to Reach Super Bowl LX

DENVER — New England did not need a large passing total to win the AFC championship. It needed its defense to hold and Drake Maye to supply enough offense, and both happened in a 10–7 victory over Denver on January 25.

Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards but added 65 yards on the ground. His rushing touchdown helped the Patriots turn a Denver turnover into points, and his late keeper produced the first down that allowed New England to close out the game.

The defense provided the larger foundation. The Patriots stopped Denver on fourth down near their end zone, pressured Jarrett Stidham and blocked a potential tying field goal. Leonard Taylor III got a hand on the 46-yard attempt, preserving the three-point advantage.

Denver was already playing without Bo Nix after his season-ending ankle injury. That circumstance does not remove the Broncos' opportunities from the record. They had chances to add points and could not convert enough of them. New England's offense also left possessions unfinished, making each defensive stop more consequential.

The Patriots reached their 12th Super Bowl in franchise history. The path on this afternoon was defined by field position, turnovers and the ability to keep a narrow lead through difficult conditions. Maye's passing numbers were modest, but the value of his running was visible in the score and the final possession.

Seattle awaits in Super Bowl LX on February 8. New England will have offensive details to address before that game, particularly after an afternoon with fewer than 100 passing yards. For now, the result is complete: the Patriots held Denver to one touchdown, protected the football and found the final first down. In a three-point championship game, those were the plays that carried them out of the AFC.