The New England Patriots are headed to Mile High Stadium to face the Denver Broncos for the 2025-2026 season’s AFC Championship game. However, their biggest challenge heading into the game is their history in Mile High Stadium.
The stadium is one of a kind, earning its nickname “Mile High” because it sits at an elevation of 5,280 feet. The second-highest stadium is Allegiant Stadium, which sits around 2,300 feet for perspective. Normally, during games at Mile High, players will wear oxygen masks to help combat the elevation.
There’s truly no other place in the NFL like Mile High Stadium.
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Mile High Failures
The first time New England traveled to Mile High in the playoffs was on January 4, 1987. The Patriots ended up losing to the Broncos on a game-sealing safety by a final score of 22-17. The next time they traveled to Mile High was on January 14, 2006; despite Brady throwing for 341 yards, it was not enough, as the Patriots still lost 27-13.
It would be a bit before the Patriots traveled to Mile High in January again, not until 2014. In that game, Peyton Manning put on a clinic, throwing for 400 yards and two touchdowns. The final score was 26-16, Denver.
The next and final time these two faced off in the postseason was two years later, on January 24, 2016. Brady put on another masterclass, throwing for 310 yards, however, it still wouldn’t be enough, as the Patriots lost 20-18. That Broncos team would go on to win the Super Bowl later that year.
To this day, the Patriots have never won a playoff game at Mile High.
Turnover Problems
For Drake Maye to win this game, he needs to reduce his turnovers; the Broncos are tied for first this postseason with a +4 turnover margin, all of which came last game against Josh Allen.
It doesn’t help that Maye has been prone to turnovers this postseason, with two interceptions and three fumbles already himself. Fortunately for him, he gets one of his favorite targets back this weekend as Mack Hollins is cleared to practice. This offense hasn’t been the same since his injury, so bringing the veteran WR back will be significant.
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Dominant Defense
Fortunately for the Patriots, normally, Denver has a future Hall of Fame quarterback lining up under center. However, star QB Bo Nix, who also leads the team in rushing yards this postseason, will be out with an ankle injury. This leaves the Broncos with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who was actually a former Patriot, selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.
The Patriots will aim to pressure the backup; they have the most sacks in the postseason. As long as the Patriots can reach Stidham and force him into bad decisions, their defense will likely capitalize on his mistakes. The unit has already recorded six takeaways this postseason.
Another huge plus for the Patriots is their undefeated record on the road during the regular season; the Patriots have been able to win when they’re not at home.
The Patriots can win this game with their strong defense. However, Drake Maye must reduce his turnovers. If Maye can fix his turnover issues and the defense continues to succeed, it might finally be time to see a much-needed Patriots postseason win at Mile High.
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