Broncos vs. Patriots: NFL Playoff Preview and How to Get Tickets

This Sunday afternoon in Denver, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the New England Patriots will battle the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship—with the winner moving one step closer to a historic Super Bowl victory. With both teams finishing the regular season at 14-3, this matchup is loaded with talent, history, and playoff pedigree, promising a battle that could come down to the final play.

The Broncos survived a heart-stopping overtime thriller against the Bills in the Divisional Round, winning 33-30 in a game that tested their grit and resilience. The Patriots, meanwhile, dominated the Texans 28-16, showcasing a balanced attack on offense and a defense that can cause chaos at any moment. All signs point to a Sunday showdown full of strategic chess matches and intense drama at Mile High.

Game Details for Patriots vs. Broncos

Here’s what fans need to know ahead of this colossal AFC Championship showdown.

Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026 Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET Venue: Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado Average Resale Ticket Price on SeatGeek: Around $1022 Cheapest Tickets on SeatGeek: You can get Patriots-Broncos tickets at SeatGeek starting at $544.

NFL Playoff History for the Patriots and Broncos

Both franchises have built impressive postseason résumés over the years. New England has won six Super Bowls in the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era and remains one of the NFL’s most accomplished playoff teams. Denver has captured three Super Bowls, including a memorable run with Peyton Manning, and boasts one of the league’s toughest home-field advantages at Mile High.

The Broncos have historically held the upper hand against the Patriots in the playoffs, winning four of five postseason matchups. Notably, their last two victories came in AFC Championship games, in January 2014 and 2016.

Top Players to Watch in Patriots vs. Broncos

This AFC Championship will be shaped by some rising stars and key veterans on both sides.

New England Patriots

Drake Maye — The young quarterback has stepped into a leadership role and shown poise in big moments. His accuracy and ability to read defenses will be crucial in Denver’s challenging altitude and hostile environment.

Christian Gonzalez — One of the NFL’s premier shutdown corners, Gonzalez can flip field position and create turnovers that swing momentum. 

Denver Broncos

Jarrett Stidham — Filling in at quarterback  for Bo Nix after a season-ending ankle injury, Stidham now carries the team’s Super Bowl hopes on his shoulders. Expect him to rely on quick reads to navigate New England’s defense.

Patrick Surtain II — The cornerstone of Denver’s secondary, Surtain has the speed, physicality and instincts to lock down top receiving threats. His play could dictate the pace and tone of this contest.

Unique Features of Empower Field at Mile High

Mile High Stadium is famous for more than just its altitude, though that’s a factor that visiting teams feel every snap. At 5,280 feet above sea level, players face thinner air, which impacts stamina, deep passing, and even kicking. The effects are most noticeable in the fourth quarter, when fatigue sets in and even routine plays can feel heavier.

The open-air design allows wind to swirl unpredictably through the stadium, especially near the open south end zone, where kicks and deep passes can behave differently than expected. Denver’s seating bowl is steep and tight, keeping fans stacked close to the field and amplifying crowd noise during key moments. Combined with the altitude, Empower Field creates an environment that challenges timing, communication, and endurance, exactly the type of setting where playoff games can swing on small mistakes.

Patriots vs. Broncos Fan Experience and What to Know Before You Go

A Broncos playoff game at Mile High is a full-day event, and preparation makes all the difference.

Parking and Transit

Most fans drive, and stadium parking lots open several hours before kickoff, filling up quickly for playoff games. Street parking around the stadium is limited and heavily enforced. Rideshares and shuttles are widely used, but postgame traffic can be heavy, so planning a buffer or waiting it out nearby often makes for a smoother exit.

What to Eat and Drink Inside

Empower Field at Mile High offers a strong mix of local favorites and classic game-day fare. Fans can stop by Atwater Grill in Section 100 for smash burgers, including crowd-pleasers like the Hit Burger, or head to Blue Pan Pizza in Section 127 for Detroit-style artisan pies. For drinks, the stadium features multiple full-service bars and lounge-style spaces, including the Breckenridge Bourbon Club.

Pre-Game Atmosphere

Tailgating is a major part of the Mile High experience. Fans fill parking lots and nearby plazas hours before kickoff, especially for playoff games. Music, grills, and team gear set the tone early, and that energy carries straight into the stadium once gates open.

Stadium Policies to Know

Empower Field strictly enforces the NFL’s clear bag policy. Only clear bags and small clutches are permitted, while backpacks and larger bags are not allowed. Security screening is thorough on playoff game days, so arriving early is strongly recommended to ensure you’re in your seat by kickoff.

How to Get Patriots vs. Broncos Playoff Tickets on SeatGeek

January football at Mile High hits differently with thinner air and louder crowds. SeatGeek makes it simple to claim your spot in one of the NFL’s toughest playoff environments.

Step 1: Download the SeatGeek app Start by downloading the SeatGeek app or visiting SeatGeek’s website. It’s the easiest way to browse tickets, compare options, and track availability in real time.

Step 2: Search the game Enter “Patriots vs. Broncos” in the search bar to pull up every seat currently on the market.

Step 3: Know the price before you buy SeatGeek shows all-in pricing upfront, so what you see is exactly what you’ll pay at checkout.

Step 4: Zero in on your seat Sort by price, section or Deal Score, and use the interactive seating map to preview sightlines before you commit.

Step 5: Lock it in Checkout takes just a few taps, whether you’re on your phone or desktop.

Step 6: Game day, unlocked Tickets arrive instantly in the SeatGeek app. Scan at the gate, find your seat, and settle in for a playoff atmosphere built on altitude, noise, and Super Bowl stakes.