In a thrilling AFC Divisional Round, Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to a 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans, throwing three touchdown passes amid snowy conditions and solidifying their first conference championship appearance in seven years.
The Patriots' defense shined, with Marcus Jones returning one of C.J. Stroud's four interceptions for a touchdown, showcasing New England's dominance and resilience in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos triumphed in a dramatic 33-30 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills, but not without a cost, as starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle that will sideline him for the remainder of the playoffs.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham has been thrust into the spotlight as he prepares to lead the Broncos in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots, elevating the drama surrounding both teams' playoff journeys.
The playoff landscape has been marked by intense competition, featuring the rise of rookie quarterbacks like Maye and Caleb Williams, whose struggles under pressure were evident as the Chicago Bears fell to the Los Angeles Rams in a nail-biting overtime matchup.
With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming AFC Championship game promises to deliver an electrifying clash between two storied franchises, each with its sights set on the Super Bowl.
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