The Denver Broncos (14-3) fell to the New England Patriots (14-3) in the AFC Championship game at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon. The Broncos put up a valiant fight, but in the end, their season came to a close on a snowy January night.

The New England Patriots are heading to their 12th Super Bowl after defeating the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship. The Patriots squeaked out a 10-7 victory in the Mile High City as heavy snow and wind swirled, making for a defensive battle.

Here's a look at how Pro Football Focus graded the Patriots' best and worst defenders in New England's AFC title win over the Denver Broncos.

DENVER (AP) — Drake Maye handled the sloppy, snowy conditions better than the home team and he scored New England’s only touchdown on a 6-yard keeper, propelling the Patriots to their 12th Super Bowl with a 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game Sunday.

Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton on Tuesday announced the team has parted ways with Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi, Wide Receivers Coach Keary Colbert and Cornerbacks Coach Addison Lynch.

Here are PFF's best and worst graded players for the Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship win over the Broncos.

After winning the AFC West during the 2025 NFL season, the Denver Broncos know their full slate of opponents for the 2026 campaign. In addition to playing their AFC West rivals, the Broncos will face the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks and the same-place finisher from the AFC South at home in 2026.

Nik Bonitto said the Broncos' loss was a "sickening" way for the season to end. "We [were] definitely the better team," he said.