The AFC title game tips off Championship Sunday with the No. 2 seed New England Patriots traveling to face the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos in a high-stakes clash at altitude. Winner claims the Lamar Hunt Trophy and a spot in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California—facing the NFC champ from Seahawks vs. Rams (6:30 p.m. ET on FOX).
When is the 2026 AFC Championship Game Kickoff?
The 2026 AFC Championship game kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. MT) from Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. The game broadcasts on CBS (pregame coverage 1-2 hours early; Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call). Streaming: Paramount+ (Essential/Premium plans), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, CBS Sports app (TV login required), or NFL+ mobile. Free over-the-air via local CBS antenna if in range.
This matchup features two 15-3 powerhouses with elite defenses, but a major plot twist: Broncos QB Bo Nix is out for the postseason after fracturing his ankle in the Divisional Round OT thriller vs. Buffalo. Jarrett Stidham steps in, shifting momentum toward New England’s road prowess under first-year HC Mike Vrabel.
AFC Championship Matchup Breakdown
- New England Patriots (15-3 overall, No. 2 seed): Rolled Houston 28-16 in Divisional Round, forcing four C.J. Stroud INTs (one pick-six by Marcus Jones). QB Drake Maye (mobile, three TDs in win) adds dual-threat danger; defense dominant under Vrabel (forced turnovers key). Playoff experience from the dynasty era lingers. They are seeking first Super Bowl since 2018. Road challenges at altitude, but momentum is strong.
- Denver Broncos (15-3 overall, No. 1 seed, AFC West champs): Survived chaotic OT win vs. Buffalo (33-30, overcame four turnovers). Elite defense (second in yards allowed, 68 sacks) led by Sean Payton’s schemes (5-0 in playoff games post-bye historically). But Nix’s absence huge. Stidham at QB drops explosiveness; home altitude (5,280 ft) and crowd still factors (Broncos 17-5 all-time home playoff record). Last AFC title game win: 2016 vs. these same Patriots (20-18 before Super Bowl 50).
Historical note: Rematch of 2016 AFC Championship at Mile High. Then, the Broncos edged Patriots before Peyton Manning’s final title. Both teams hungry: Denver for first Super Bowl since 2015; New England to end drought.
Current AFC Championship Odds (Consensus as of January 23, 2026)
- Spread: Patriots -4.5 (opened -5.5, moved down slightly; range -3.5 to -5 across DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM).
- Moneyline: Patriots -220 to -250 | Broncos +180 to +210.
- Over/Under: 42.5 (low total reflects strong defenses, altitude impact, backup QB uncertainty; sharp action pushed from ~40.5).
- Patriots hold ~65-70% win probability in models—Nix injury swung line ~4-6 points. Value seen in Broncos + points for gritty home stand, but experts lean Patriots managing game and forcing mistakes.
Path to Super Bowl LX
The AFC champ meets the NFC winner for Super Bowl LX:
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (49ers home)
- Time: ~6:30 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: NBC/Peacock (Telemundo Spanish)
- Halftime: Bad Bunny headlining
Printable Playoff Bracket
Download our updated 2026 NFL Playoff Bracket (post-Divisional Round) here. It includes full bracket, team logos, and spots to fill in the winner. Track your picks through the Conference Championships and into the Super Bowl! We also have a Super Bowl Squares generator and printable Super Bowl Squares in PDF options that you can use to have some fun during the Championship Round of play. Most people wait until the Big Game to bring out the Super Bowl Bingo though.
