The Denver Broncos punched their ticket to the Super Bowl in dramatic fashion as backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham outplayed New England star Drake Maye in the AFC Championship Game. With starter Bo Nix sidelined, Stidham made his first meaningful appearance since Week 18 of the 2023 season and delivered a career-defining performance.
He threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns, showing poise, accuracy, and confidence against a Patriots defense that had dominated throughout the postseason. The victory sends Denver to the Super Bowl for the first time in a decade, marking a stunning and unexpected run.
Drake Maye entered the game as one of the league’s most talked-about young quarterbacks and a legitimate MVP candidate. While his regular-season growth under head coach Mike Vrabel and coordinator Josh McDaniels was impressive, the postseason exposed some flaws.
Across two playoff games, Maye struggled with ball security and consistency, throwing two interceptions, fumbling six times, and failing to complete 60 percent of his passes in either contest. Against Denver, he was unable to match Stidham’s efficiency or explosiveness, as the Broncos capitalized on timely throws and strong defensive support.
Stidham Defies Predictions And Delivers Revenge Performance Against Former Patriots Team
The Broncos’ victory stood in sharp contrast to many pregame predictions. Several analysts believed New England’s defense would overwhelm Stidham and shut down Sean Payton’s offense entirely. The Patriots defense had been dominant entering the game, recording six takeaways, nine sacks, and allowing only 19 total points in the postseason.
Jarrett Stidham (NFL)Expectations were high that they would produce their best performance of the year. Instead, Denver flipped the script, as Stidham avoided major mistakes and consistently attacked downfield, forcing the Patriots out of their comfort zone.
For Stidham, the win carried personal significance. Drafted by New England in 2019, the quarterback embraced the opportunity to face his former team on the biggest stage possible. Though he had limited starting experience, Stidham had shown flashes of competence in previous appearances, throwing for more than 200 yards in each of his four career starts. Against the Patriots, he exceeded even optimistic expectations, proving he could lead an offense under championship-level pressure.
Explosive Plays And Overtime Redemption Power Seahawks Past Rams Into Super Bowl
On the NFC side, the Seattle Seahawks advanced in a thrilling overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams. The game was defined by explosive plays and special teams heroics. Rashid Shaheed continued his postseason surge by scoring twice, including a long kickoff return touchdown and a deep receiving score of more than 40 yards. His speed and playmaking ability consistently stressed the Rams defense and swung momentum in Seattle’s favor.
The NFC Championship Game echoed previous dramatic meetings between the Seahawks and Rams, once again requiring overtime to decide a winner. This time, Seahawks kicker Jason Myers delivered the decisive moment. After missing a potential game-winning 61-yard field goal earlier in the season against Los Angeles, Myers redeemed himself by drilling the overtime winner to seal Seattle’s trip to the Super Bowl. Big plays from both teams defined the contest, including multiple long runs and deep receptions, reinforcing the idea that explosive moments often decide championship games.
With Denver and Seattle emerging as conference champions, Super Bowl LX is set following a weekend filled with surprises, redemption arcs, and breakout performances. Stidham’s unlikely heroics headlined the AFC, while Seattle’s balance of speed, resilience, and clutch execution carried the NFC. Together, they set the stage for a Super Bowl matchup shaped by unexpected stars and unforgettable moments.
