The Patriots and the Broncos are ready for their rare playoff clash, as they fight to hoist the AFC title and book a ticket to the Super Bowl. So it's no surprise that both teams are taking shots at one another ahead of the clash.

Although the Broncos are bound to feel QB Bo Nix, who is out after fracturing his ankle, head coach Sean Payton asked fans to be loud.

“They’re going to have plenty of rest after this one. It’s two weeks,” the Broncos coach said, reassuring the fans that their team will reach the Super Bowl. However, Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte fired back.

“They can rest in Cancun, too, at the end of the day,” Boutte said. After his reply made the rounds online, he clarified his stance in an X post.

“I was saying it's obviously 'win or go home' so you’ll rest regardless,” he posted.

However, there's a reason why the Broncos' head coach is confident. After all, the Patritos are 1-4 against the Broncos in their postseason clashes so far. They lost in 1986, 2005, 2013, and 2015, only winning in 2011.

This Game Is Leaning in the Patriots’ Favor

Both teams ended the regular season with a 14-3  record. The Patriots have made a surprising comeback this year after winning only eight games in the past two years.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are sending Jarrett Stidham on the field as the starter. 

In his show First Take, analyst Stephen A. Smith said Stidham is the least of their worries, and the odds are in their favor.

"Ain't no way in hell anybody wants to hear you're gonna lose a game in the AFC Championship Game to Jarrett Stidham," said Smith.

“New England, I swear to you, you lose this game, oh trust you me, the offseason ain't going to be pleasant to you brothers. Everything that you've accomplished...” he added.

Payton is sure to secure the Broncos’ offence on all fronts. On the flip side, there are concerns over the fumbles Drake Maye has been dropping. The Patriots joked that they have low expectations but have full faith in their quarterback. 

Whether Maye and Boutte put the Broncos to rest or Stidham pulls an unanticipated upset is yet to be seen this weekend.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi