Broncos head coach Sean Payton is under fire from his own fans after one of his decisions might have cost his team the Super Bowl.
The Denver Broncos gave it everything they had at home, but came up just short of the New England Patriots, losing 10-7 in what turned out to be a defensive war in the snow. But before the field was blanketed in ice and the players could barely see, the Broncos were up 7-0 on the Patriots following an impressive touchdown pass by backup starter Jarrett Stidham.
They were driving to put more points on the board and were in routine field goal range to put them up by 10 points. Instead, Payton went for it, going for it on fourth-and-one and getting stopped like a slap to the face. It was the last time the Broncos would ever get near the red zone, as the conditions got worse and Stidham couldn't find any of the rhythm he had in the first quarter. More news: Injured Bo Nix Shows Up for Broncos at AFC Championship in Powerful Support DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 25: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos reacts while walking off the field following the AFC Championship Playoff game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. The New England Patriots defeat the Denver Broncos 10-7. More news: Rams’ Matthew Stafford Future Decided Before NFC Title vs Seahawks: Report At the end of the game, following a botched punt by the Patriots and down three, Payton, this time, decided to go for a longer field goal in the pouring hail, rather than try to get a few yards on the final down. Again, it was the wrong choice, as the ball was tipped and wobbled away from the goal posts. After the game, Broncos fans let their voices be heard on social media about Payton's performance that might have cost them a trip to the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots will now await the winner of the NFC Championship between the hosting Seattle Seahawks and divisional rival the Los Angeles Rams.
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