The Patriots are heading back to the AFC championship game. They beat the Texans in the divisional round, 28-16 to advance.
While quarterback Drake Maye was the focal point of the regular season, but this game was about the defense. The unit forced five turnovers, including forcing opposing quarterback C.J. Stroud to throw four interceptions.
Maye still had a good game, finishing with 179 passing yards with three touchdowns and an interception. He added 10 rushing yards on the ground on four carries.
This will be the Patriots’ first time back in the AFC championship since 2019 when they faced and beat the Chiefs 37-31 in overtime.
Here is all you need to know about how to watch the Patriots take on the Broncos in the 2026 AFC championship game.
When is the Patriots’ next game?
- Matchup: Patriots vs. Broncos
- Date: Sunday, January 25
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- TV channel: CBS
- Live stream: Paramount+, Fubo
The Patriots’ next game will be against the Broncos on Sunday, Jan. 25 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The winner will continue on to Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, February 8.
Jim Nantz will be the play-by-play announcer with former quarterback Tony Romo serving as the color commentator. Tracy Wolfson and Evan Washburn will be the sideline reporters.
Cord-cutters can stream the game with Paramount+ or Fubo, with the latter carrying CBS in its channel lineup and currently offering a free trial.
NFL Playoff schedule 2026
Wild-card round
Saturday, Jan. 10
| Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Rams 34, Panthers 31 | Charlotte, NC | — | — |
| Bears 31, Packers 27 | Chicago, IL | — | — |
Sunday, Jan. 11
| Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Bills 27, Jaguars 24 | Jacksonville, FL | — | — |
| 49ers 23, Eagles 19 | Philadelphia, PA | — | — |
| Patriots 16, Chargers 3 | Foxboro, MA | — | — |
Monday, Jan. 12
| Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Texans 30, Steelers 6 | Pittsburgh, PA | — | — |
Divisional Round
Saturday, Jan. 17
| Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Broncos 33, Bills 30 (OT) | Denver, CO | — | — |
| Seahawks 41, 49ers 6 | Seattle, WA | — | — |
Sunday, Jan. 18
| Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Patriots 28, Texans 16 | Foxborough, MA | — | — |
| Rams 20, Bears 17 (OT) | Chicago, IL | — | — |
Championship round
Sunday, Jan. 25
| Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Patriots vs. Broncos | Denver, CO | 3 p.m. | CBS |
| Rams vs. Seahawks | Seattle, WA | 6:30 p.m. | Fox |
Super Bowl
Sunday, Feb. 8
| Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| TBD | Santa Clara, Ca. | 6:30 p.m. | NBC |
