Jarrett Stidham Expected to Outshine Patriots Defense, Surpass Maye in AFC Championship

The Denver Broncos are gearing up for a critical showdown against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Many analysts believe the Broncos’ defense will be pivotal for a potential upset. However, NFL.com analyst Maurice Jones-Drew predicts that backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will significantly impact the game.

Jarrett Stidham: Key Player in the AFC Championship

Jones-Drew confidently asserts that Stidham will not only lead the Broncos to victory but will also excel against the Patriots’ defense. In his bold prediction, he suggested that Stidham would outshine New England’s quarterback, Drake Maye.

Stidham’s Recent Performance

• Stidham has not played in a real game since Week 18 of the 2023 season.
• Despite this, he is expected to throw for approximately 300 yards and three touchdowns.
• This performance could propel Denver to the Super Bowl, marking a decade since their last championship win.

Jones-Drew pointed out that Stidham, who replaces Bo Nix at quarterback, tends to rise to the occasion. He believes that Stidham’s potential will lead to a standout performance against the Patriots.

Support from Other Analysts

In addition to Jones-Drew, fantasy football analyst Marcas Grant backed the Broncos in this matchup. He emphasized that although Bo Nix’s season has concluded, Denver still possesses the talent to compete effectively.

• Stidham has made four career starts, each resulting in over 200 passing yards.
• He has recorded six touchdown passes against four interceptions in those games.

Grant also highlighted the emotional factor; this game is a revenge match against the Patriots, who drafted Stidham in 2019. While the Broncos’ defense is anticipated to play a critical role, Stidham’s performance may exceed expectations and contribute to a Denver victory.

Pundit Predictions

Analysts are largely siding with the Broncos in their predictions for this upcoming game. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio also indicated his support for Denver, reinforcing the notion that Stidham could deliver a stellar performance in a crucial moment.

As the AFC Championship nears, all eyes will be on Jarrett Stidham to see if he can indeed outshine the Patriots’ defense and lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl.