Overview
- Denver will start veteran Jarrett Stidham in place of injured Bo Nix, and Stidham enters with no regular-season pass attempts this year and his last start in 2023 after being drafted by New England.
- Final injury reports list Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins out alongside Nix, while the Patriots ruled out sacks leader Harold Landry III and listed cornerback Carlton Davis III as questionable.
- Sportsbooks have New England around 4.5-point favorites with a total near 42.5 following Denver’s quarterback change.
- Denver led the NFL with 68 sacks, and Drake Maye has been sacked 10 times over two playoff games, highlighting a pressure-heavy matchup.
- Analysts and bettors are split, with several staff picks backing New England but some handicappers taking Denver based on defense, home field and Sean Payton’s coaching.