Expert prediction
AFC Championship Game: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos Preview, Odds, Picks (Jan 24)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Patriots vs. Broncos odds favor New England by 5.5 points.
- Bo Nix won’t play due to his ankle injury.
- Jarrett Stidham starts instead of Nix for the Broncos.
This will be a big one for Jarrett Stidham, who’s going to replace Bo Nix and try to enter Nick Foles mode, leading his team to the Super Bowl as a replacement QB.
If you want more NFL odds and predictions, please follow this link.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, January 24, 3 pm ET
- Where: Mile High, Denver, Colorado
- How to Watch: CBS
Patriots vs. Broncos Odds
Game Preview
The New England Patriots’ defense has stiffed CJ Stroud, forcing him to throw 4 interceptions, and the Texans have made 5 turnovers overall. They were the difference-makers in this one.
The Pats had 3 turnovers but still won 28-16, with Drake Maye throwing for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns. He had an interception, yet that was a Hail Mary at the end of the half. Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas all had a TD reception each.
Denver squeezed out a 33-30 OT win against the Bills, but it was costly: Nix injured his ankle and is out for the season. Their defense was the better part of the team, forcing 5 turnovers, while the offense lost possession just once.
The Broncos sacked Josh Allen 5 times for 68 negative yards, and overall, the reason for the win here was defense, not Nix and the pretty mediocre running.
Patriots vs. Broncos Head to Head
The last meeting was in 2023 when New England won 26-23 on the road.
Patriots vs. Broncos Predictions
Pats are going to win here because of Stidham. Don’t get us wrong, he is a good QB, but the current situation is too much for a guy who had one snap this year.
- Free NFL picks: Patriots -5.5
NFL
More Predictions
NFL Week 9 Upsets: Commanders Nasty Underdogs, Cardinals and Raiders Defending the Spread
Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season features several situational spots where short underdogs hold tactical, scheduling, or matchup advantages. There aren’t as many choices as in previous rounds, but there’s still enough for us bettors to make some money. Here is one straight-up upset pick and two point-spread underdog picks, backed by key tactical […]
NFL Week 9 Player Props: Pitts to Score a TD, Flournoy Continues to Grow
NFL Week 9 player props are here. We’ve waited to see the situation regarding potential absences and injuries, and with game day just around the corner, it was time to unleash the best player prop picks for this round. We have three selections for our bettors, carefully picked and evaluated following a thorough process. After […]
Broncos vs. Panthers Week 9 Picks: Young’s Poor Protection Will Cost Carolina
Best bet: Broncos ATS pick: Broncos -2.5 Bet Broncos vs. Panthers at BetUS Denver Broncos (6-2) hit the road to face the Carolina Panthers (3-4) and continue their excellent run. The Panthers have been on the downhill lately and are under pressure to win this game and get back to the winning side. Stay with […]
Giants vs. Eagles Week 9 Picks: Rested Giants After a Win in Philly
Best bet: Giants ATS pick: Giants -3.5 Bet Giants vs. Eagles at BetUS NFC East is completely wild these days. The New York Giants (4-2-1) lead the group, while the Philadelphia Eagles (2-6) sit last. The home team is in huge trouble, having multiple stars out due to injuries. The Giants also have some absences, […]
Browns vs. Saints Week 9 Picks: Indoor Arena Will Create Problems for Cleveland
Best bet: Saints -1.5 Straight up pick: Saints moneyline Bet Cardinals vs Cowboys at BetUS Cleveland Browns (5-3) are still in the mix for the playoffs. However, they will need to win in New Orleans against the Saints (2-5). Browns are very light underdogs here, sitting at +100 before we started writing this article. We […]