The question on every Patriots fan’s mind has been answered: Drake Maye is healthy and will start in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos . There’s no injury cloud hanging over the young quarterback as he prepares to face his biggest test yet. But his health is only half the story. The real challenge lies in a place where the New England Patriots have never won a playoff game: the thin, hostile air of Denver.
Table of Contents
- Is Drake Maye to Play in the AFC Championship?
- The Patriots: Perfect Road Warriors
- The Denver Demon: A Historic Playoff Curse
- Why This Patriots Team Is Different
- Conclusion: Can Maye Make History?
- Sources
Is Drake Maye to Play in the AFC Championship?
The short and definitive answer is yes. After weeks of speculation and cautious optimism from the coaching staff, the official word is that Drake Maye is 100% ready to go. There are no lingering issues from any previous knocks, and he’s been a full participant in all practices leading up to the big game . This is a massive relief for a Patriots team whose entire offensive identity has been built around his dynamic playmaking ability. His presence alone gives New England a fighting chance against a formidable Broncos defense.
The Patriots: Perfect Road Warriors
This isn’t just any road game for the Patriots; it’s the culmination of a season defined by their dominance away from home. In a stunning feat of consistency and mental toughness, New England finished the 2025 regular season with a perfect 8-0 road record . They are the only team in the NFL to achieve this remarkable milestone, turning every opponent’s stadium into their own personal playground. Head coach Mike Vrabel even handed out commemorative footballs to his players to mark the achievement . This road warrior mentality will be their most valuable asset as they head into the deafening environment of Empower Field at Mile High.
The Denver Demon: A Historic Playoff Curse
However, the Patriots’ perfect road record meets its ultimate test in Denver. The franchise has a long, painful history of playoff failures in the Mile High City. In fact, the Patriots are a dismal 0-4 in playoff games played in Denver . Their overall playoff record against the Broncos is 1-4, with their lone victory coming at home in the 2012 AFC Championship . The Broncos have beaten them in Denver in the playoffs in 1987, 2006, 2014, and 2016 . This isn’t just a losing streak; it’s a full-blown curse that has haunted the franchise for decades. The high altitude, the raucous crowd, and the ghosts of past failures create a uniquely challenging atmosphere.
Why This Patriots Team Is Different
So, what makes this year any different? Why should anyone believe the Patriots can finally slay the Denver dragon? Several key factors suggest they might just pull off the impossible:
- A New Era at QB: Unlike the aging legends of past playoff losses, Drake Maye represents the future. His mobility and arm talent give the offense a dimension that can exploit a Broncos defense that has shown vulnerabilities against dual-threat quarterbacks.
- Unshakeable Road Confidence: An 8-0 road record isn’t a fluke. It’s a testament to a team that thrives under pressure and in hostile environments. They’ve already proven they can win anywhere, which is a powerful psychological edge .
- Roster Health (Mostly): While the Broncos have suffered some key injuries, like ruling out a player with a hamstring issue , the Patriots’ most important player—Maye—is fully healthy. They’ve also activated wide receiver Mack Hollins from injured reserve, adding another weapon to their arsenal .
This Patriots team isn’t trying to replicate the past; they’re writing a new chapter. They aren’t burdened by the same expectations or the same personnel that failed before. They are a hungry, confident group led by a fearless young quarterback.
Conclusion: Can Maye Make History?
The stage is set for an epic showdown. With Drake Maye confirmed to play, the Patriots have their best possible chance to finally conquer their Denver demons. His health is the foundation, but it’s the team’s perfect road record and a fresh, fearless mindset that could be the keys to unlocking a historic victory. If they win, not only do they advance to the Super Bowl, but they also erase one of the most persistent and frustrating chapters in their storied history. All eyes will be on Maye to see if he can deliver on this massive opportunity and cement his legacy in New England lore. For more on the Patriots’ playoff journey, check out our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:patriots-2025-season-review].
Sources
- “Will Drake Maye play against the Denver Broncos today?” Times of India.
- “Patriots put perfect road record to test vs. Broncos’ Mile High.” Boston Globe.
- “‘Unfinished business’ helped Patriots to perfect road record.” MassLive.
- “patriots playoff record in denver, CO.” Reddit /r/Patriots.
- “Patriots 1-4 against Broncos in playoffs.” Pro Football Reference.
- “Patriots hope to finally win a playoff game in Denver.” CBS Sports.