Patriots Advance to AFC Championship as Mack Hollins’ Status Remains Uncertain and Broncos Turn to Jarrett Stidham

The New England Patriots are one win away from the Super Bowl after grinding out an impressive Divisional Round playoff victory over the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. In a game defined by harsh weather, physical defense, and situational execution, Drake Maye and the Patriots did just enough to survive and advance.

Now, New England’s focus shifts west to Denver, where they will face the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High—one of the league’s most challenging road environments. As preparations begin, two major storylines are emerging: the uncertain availability of wide receiver Mack Hollins and the Broncos’ sudden quarterback change following Bo Nix’s season-ending injury.

Patriots Survive Texans, Move One Step Closer to Super Bowl

New England’s win over Houston was anything but easy. Battling freezing temperatures and a Texans defense that consistently pressured Maye, the Patriots leaned on discipline, timely plays, and situational football to escape with a hard-fought victory.

The Patriots’ defense played a critical role, limiting explosive plays and forcing Houston into uncomfortable third-down situations. Meanwhile, Maye showed poise beyond his years, avoiding major mistakes and delivering key throws when needed.

With the victory, New England punched its ticket to the AFC Championship Game—its deepest playoff run since the franchise began its post-Brady rebuild.

Mack Hollins’ Playing Status Remains Uncertain

As the Patriots prepare for Sunday’s showdown in Denver, one key offensive piece remains in question: wide receiver Mack Hollins.

Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed Hollins’ status during his Monday press conference, offering cautious optimism but no guarantees. When asked if he expected Hollins to practice this week, Vrabel responded:

“I can’t be certain right now. Still working through everything with some of those guys that could be back.”

That uncertainty leaves New England’s offensive staff in wait-and-see mode.

Hollins may not be a true No. 1 receiver, but his presence matters—especially in playoff football. During the 2025 NFL regular season, Hollins appeared in 15 games, recording:

• 46 receptions

• 550 receiving yards

• 2 touchdowns

His size, blocking ability, and experience provide stability in an offense led by a rookie quarterback. Against a Broncos defense that excels at pressuring the quarterback, Hollins’ availability could play a meaningful role in extending drives and keeping Denver’s pass rush honest.

Why Mack Hollins Matters Against the Broncos

Denver’s defensive identity is built on pressure and physicality. Their edge rushers, led by Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, consistently collapse pockets and force quarterbacks into rushed decisions.

Having a reliable veteran wideout like Hollins helps counter that pressure in multiple ways:

• Quick, physical routes to beat press coverage

• Willingness to block on the perimeter

• Veteran awareness in scramble drills

For a quarterback like Drake Maye, who will already be facing altitude, crowd noise, and postseason pressure, having a trusted target could prove invaluable.

Broncos Adjust After Bo Nix’s Season-Ending Injury

While the Patriots monitor Hollins’ recovery, the Broncos are dealing with a far more dramatic change.

Following Denver’s Divisional Round upset of the Buffalo Bills, head coach Sean Payton confirmed that rookie quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle and is out for the remainder of the season. The injury forces Denver to pivot to Jarrett Stidham as the starter in the AFC Championship Game.

The news reshapes the matchup entirely.

Nix had been instrumental in Denver’s postseason run, providing mobility, improvisation, and confidence under pressure. With him sidelined, the Broncos will rely on Stidham’s experience and familiarity with NFL systems to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.

Mike Vrabel Shares His Thoughts on Jarrett Stidham

Mike Vrabel is no stranger to Stidham’s game. During his Monday media availability, the Patriots head coach spoke candidly about what he sees on film from the Broncos’ new starting quarterback.

“Just going back to when Josh [McDaniels] had him, I think he sees things really well,” Vrabel said. “He’s athletic enough to extend plays, and he’s really decisive in the games that we went back and watched.”

Vrabel’s comments reflect respect rather than dismissal. Despite limited recent game action, Stidham has spent years preparing as a backup, studying defenses, and staying ready for moments exactly like this.

Vrabel on Facing a Former Patriots Quarterback

Later, during an appearance on The Greg Hill Show, Vrabel expanded on the challenge of preparing for Stidham—especially given his lack of recent live reps.

“He hasn’t thrown a pass since 2023, so we’ll have to kind of figure it out,” Vrabel said. “Josh has coached him. He’s probably ready to go. Obviously he’s preparing as a starter each and every week.”

That uncertainty adds complexity to New England’s defensive game plan. With limited recent film, the Patriots must prepare for multiple possibilities:

• A conservative, run-heavy Broncos offense

• Play-action concepts to simplify reads

• Designed movement to take advantage of Stidham’s athleticism

Betting Odds and Expectations Heading Into AFC Championship

Despite playing on the road at altitude, the Patriots have opened as 5.5-point favorites against the Broncos. The betting line reflects several key factors:

• Denver missing its starting quarterback

• New England’s elite defense

• Drake Maye’s steady postseason play

Still, Empower Field at Mile High remains one of the toughest venues in the NFL, especially in January. Crowd noise, thin air, and defensive intensity can quickly turn small mistakes into game-changing moments.

What to Watch on Sunday

As kickoff approaches, several questions will define the AFC Championship Game:

• Will Mack Hollins be available—and effective?

• Can Drake Maye remain composed under heavy pressure?

• How aggressive will Sean Payton be with Jarrett Stidham?

• Can New England’s defense force early turnovers?

The answers will determine whether the Patriots complete their improbable run and return to the Super Bowl—or if the Broncos overcome adversity to keep their own dream alive.

Final Thoughts

The Patriots have already exceeded expectations this postseason, but the challenge only grows tougher in Denver. With injuries, quarterback changes, and high stakes in play, the AFC Championship Game promises tension, strategy, and unpredictability.

If New England can stay healthy, protect the football, and adapt to Denver’s adjustments, they’ll have a real chance to earn a trip to the Super Bowl—one more step away from the finish line.