The stage is set for a monumental clash in the 2026 NFL playoffs as the Denver Broncos prepare to host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. This high-stakes contest promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle of drama, intensity, and raw excitement, with a capacity crowd expected at Empower Field at Mile High.
Game Details: When and Where
Both franchises concluded their regular season campaigns with identical, impressive 14-3 records, setting the scene for a perfectly balanced championship showdown. The battle for the AFC title and a coveted spot in the Super Bowl is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The kick-off is set for 3:00 PM Eastern Time (12:00 PM Pacific Time). The iconic venue for this epic encounter will be Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Renowned for its electrifying playoff atmosphere and notoriously challenging conditions for visiting teams, the stadium is poised to be a decisive factor in the game's outcome.
How to Watch: TV and Live Streaming
Broadcast Television
CBS holds the exclusive broadcast rights for this AFC Championship Game. The network will provide comprehensive coverage, including pre-game analysis, live commentary, halftime shows, and post-game reactions. Viewers with traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions can tune in to CBS without any additional fees.
Live Streaming Platforms
For fans preferring digital viewing, several reliable streaming services will carry the game live:
- Paramount+: As the primary streaming home for CBS, a subscription (starting around $8.99/month) grants access to live NFL games, including this championship.
- Fubo: This sports-centric streaming service offers CBS in its channel lineup. New users can leverage a free trial period to watch the game.
- DirecTV Stream: Carrying CBS, this platform also provides a five-day free trial, perfect for catching the championship action.
- Hulu + Live TV: This bundle includes live CBS access along with Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN, offering a comprehensive entertainment package.
Watching for Free
Yes, it is possible to watch the AFC Championship Game for free. Services like Fubo and DirecTV Stream offer free trial periods of three to five days. By signing up just before the game and canceling before the trial ends, fans can enjoy the live broadcast without any cost.
Game Preview and Stakes
While the Patriots enter the contest as slight favorites, the Broncos counter with a significant home-field advantage and a formidable defensive unit, suggesting a tightly contested matchup. Injuries to key personnel on both sides will elevate the importance of strategic planning and flawless execution on the field.
The ultimate prize extends beyond a Super Bowl berth. Both teams will be fighting tooth and nail to lift the prestigious AFC Lamar Hunt Trophy, symbolizing supremacy in the American Football Conference. This game represents the culmination of a grueling season and a chance to etch their names in NFL history.
