Overview
- New England defeated Houston 28-16 to advance, with Drake Maye going 16-of-27 for 179 yards and three touchdown passes, plus one interception and four fumbles with two lost.
- Maye called Nix's injury "heartbreaking," said he is praying for him, and expressed confidence that Nix will bounce back.
- Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed Nix broke a bone in his right ankle in the overtime win over Buffalo and will undergo surgery that ends his postseason.
- Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback for Denver against New England, marking his first postseason start and a meeting with his former team.
- The AFC Championship is scheduled for Jan. 25 in Denver with a Super Bowl berth at stake, shifting the expected 2024 draft classmates matchup from Maye vs. Nix to Maye vs. Stidham.