The sports world has witnessed epic rivalries that define generations. Basketball gave us Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson. Boxing thrilled fans with Joe Frazier against Muhammad Ali. Soccer showcases the endless debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In the NFL, the legendary duel between Denver Broncos icon Peyton Manning and New England Patriots great Tom Brady stands tall among these historic matchups.
AFC Championship Showdown Returns After Ten Years
The stage is set for a dramatic reunion. The Denver Broncos secured their spot in the AFC Championship Game by defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in a thrilling divisional round. Simultaneously, the New England Patriots advanced after a solid 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans. This sets up a championship clash that echoes the past, marking the first meeting in this round between these franchises since 2016.
Quarterback Drama Alters the Narrative
A significant injury has reshaped the anticipated storyline. Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle during the divisional round and will miss the championship game. Backup signal-caller Jarrett Stidham will step in to lead Denver against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. This unexpected twist draws immediate parallels to the Manning-Brady era, though with different faces under center.
The official NFL on CBS Instagram account fueled the nostalgia. They shared ten snapshots from the 2016 championship battle between Brady's Patriots and Manning's Broncos. Their caption, "We heard 2026 is the new 2016... Let's do it again," sparked instant reactions from fans.
Fan Reactions Capture the Moment
Social media buzzed with mixed emotions. One user expressed surprise, commenting, "What in the 2016 just happened? Also I hope Bo gets better." Another fan shared their disappointment, writing, "I wanted to see Bo and the Broncos vs. Maye and the Pats. The two faces and future of their franchises, like Manning and Broncos vs Brady and the Pats. Makes the Bo injury even sadder."
A third fan dubbed it the "Stiddy revenge game," while a fourth lamented, "Should have been Bo vs Maye, would have been beautiful to see." Predictions also emerged, with one user forecasting, "Broncos game winning int just like in 2016," referencing cornerback Bradley Roby's iconic interception that sealed Denver's 2016 victory.
Echoes of a Historic Rivalry
The Manning versus Brady narrative is rich with history. In 2016, these two legends faced off twice. Tom Brady secured a 16-3 regular season win over Peyton Manning. However, when they met again in the AFC Championship Game, Manning, often called "The Sheriff," emerged victorious with a 20-18 score, overcoming Brady, known as "Tom Terrific."
That 2016 championship was Manning's final season. He battled foot and rib injuries throughout the regular season, even being temporarily replaced by backup Brock Osweiler. Yet, in the crucial moment, he led his team to triumph. The Patriots legend was sacked four times during that fateful game.
The rivalry's roots extend further back. In 2005, when Manning played for the Indianapolis Colts, Broncos defensive back Champ Bailey intercepted Tom Brady, securing a 27-13 win for Denver. This history adds layers to the current matchup.
Drake Maye's Opportunity to Change History
For Drake Maye and the Patriots, this game presents a unique chance. Historical data shows Tom Brady had his least success against the Denver Broncos among all NFL teams. His overall record against Denver stands at 9-9, with an 8-6 regular season mark and a 1-3 postseason tally. The Broncos are one of only two teams against which Brady never maintained a winning record; the other is the San Francisco 49ers, where he held a 2-2 record.
Maye now has the opportunity to alter that legacy. A victory could begin rewriting New England's challenging history against the Broncos' formidable defense, often called the "Orange Crush."
The Championship Awaits
The highly anticipated AFC Championship Game kicks off at 3 PM ET on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, will host this monumental clash. Fans are holding their seats tight with anticipation, wondering if Drake Maye can forge a new chapter for the Patriots against their historic rivals.
Will the Broncos continue their dominance, or will the Patriots turn the tide? The answer unfolds on the field, as a new generation writes the next page in this storied rivalry.
