### Patriots' Return to Championship Glory Marred by Injury Concerns The New England Patriots have secured their place in the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2018, following a decisive 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans in the Divisional round. However, this triumph comes with significant concerns as cornerback Carlton Davis III suffered a head injury during the game, which could potentially sideline him for the upcoming championship clash against the Denver Broncos. The Patriots are now set to face a Broncos team that will be without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, due to injury, adding another layer of intrigue to this pivotal matchup [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nfl/article-15475883/patriots-carlton-davis-injury-afc-championship.html][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-playoffs-patriots-play-broncos-003131150.html]. ### Breakdown of the AFC Championship Scenario 1. **Matchup Overview**: - The Patriots will face the Broncos in the AFC Championship game, marking a rematch from a decade ago when Tom Brady faced Peyton Manning [https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2026/01/patriots-vs-broncos-how-denver-qb-injury-changed-line-on-afc-championship.html]. 2. **Injury Impact**: - Carlton Davis III's head injury raises concerns for the Patriots' defense, while the Broncos will rely on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after losing Bo Nix [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/broncos-news-nick-foles-sends-cheeky-message-to-broncos-fans-ahead-of-patriots-matchup][https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2026/01/18/new-england-patriots-denver-broncos-afc-championship-game-nfl-playoffs]. 3. **Game Details**: - The AFC Championship game is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. in Denver, with a spot in Super Bowl LX on the line [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/18/sports/patriots-broncos-afc-championship-game-preview][https://detroitsportsnation.com/nfl-championship-sunday-patriots-broncos-rams-seahawks/ddrysdale/nfl/01/18/2026/482734]. ### Key Data Points and Context - **Team Records**: - The Patriots enter the game with a strong performance, while the Broncos, despite their injuries, have maintained a solid record of 15-3 [https://www.altoonamirror.com/sports/national-sports/2026/01/seattle-seahawks-will-play-los-angeles-rams-in-nfc-title-game]. - **Historical Context**: - This matchup is particularly significant as it recalls the storied rivalry between the two franchises, with the last notable encounter being a playoff game where the Patriots fell short against the Broncos [https://www.theintelligencer.net/sports/top-sports/2026/01/patriots-will-face-broncos-in-the-afc-title-game-seahawks-will-host-rams-in-the-nfc]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Championship Showdown In summary, the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos is set to be a thrilling encounter, albeit overshadowed by injury concerns on both sides. 1. **Patriots' Strengths**: The Patriots are looking to capitalize on their recent form and the absence of key players from the Broncos. 2. **Broncos' Challenges**: Denver's reliance on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham could be a critical factor in the game's outcome. 3. **Historical Rivalry**: This matchup not only has playoff implications but also carries the weight of historical significance, making it a must-watch event for NFL fans. The outcome of this game will determine who advances to the Super Bowl, adding to the stakes of this high-profile clash [https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/sports/nfl/nfl-afc-nfc-championship-games-schedule-broadcast-info-watch-time/3688689][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/denver-broncos-face-england-patriots-231834443.html].