2026 AFC and NFC Championships: Winners, Losers, Key Takeaways

Emerson Raymont

Published: January 26, 2026 5:17 AM ET

2026 AFC and NFC Championships: Winners, Losers, Key Takeaways

The 2026 AFC and NFC Championships showcased intense competition, featuring critical performances and staggering statistics that shaped the outcomes of the games.

AFC Championship: Key Highlights

The New England Patriots emerged victorious, led by quarterback Drake Maye. Despite struggling with his passing, completing fewer than half of his attempts, Maye’s legs provided the necessary edge. He rushed for 65 yards and scored the only touchdown in a tightly contested match.

Denver Broncos’ Struggles

While the Patriots excelled defensively, the Broncos faltered, particularly in stopping the run. Denver’s defense, once formidable, allowed over 160 rushing yards in the playoffs, with the Patriots managing 141 yards in this championship game alone.

QB Drake Maye: 10 carries, 65 rushing yards.
Patriots’ Defense: Allowed only 70 rushing yards on 22 carries.
Broncos’ Run Defense: Ranked second in the NFL in regular season, surrendered an average of over 160 yards per game in the postseason.

NFC Championship: Missed Opportunities

In the NFC Championship, inconsistencies marred the performance of the Denver Broncos, particularly following a critical mistake by backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stidham’s fumble in the first half directly resulted in the Patriots’ only touchdown, proving pivotal in the match.

Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny

Head coach Sean Payton’s choices were called into question, especially a missed opportunity for an easy field goal that could have given the Broncos a 10-0 lead. This decision carried significant weight as the weather deteriorated, hindering offensive capabilities for both teams.

Stidham’s Fumble: Led directly to touchdown for the Patriots.
Payton’s Decision: Eschewed a field goal in the second quarter; missed chance loomed large.

Conclusion: Takeaways from the Championships

The 2026 AFC and NFC Championships highlighted the crucial roles of both player performance and coaching strategies. The effectiveness of the Patriots’ offense and defense contrasted sharply with the Broncos’ missteps, ultimately culminating in a significant victory for New England.