DENVER — The Broncos jumped out to an early lead and held it for the duration, defeating the Patriots 20-18 to claim the AFC Championship and a spot in Super Bowl 50 against the winner of Sunday's NFC Championship Game between the Panthers and Cardinals.
After the defense contained a potent Patriots offense on its opening drive, the Broncos offense came out with an 83-yard drive that ended with a 21-yard strike from quarterback Peyton Manning to tight end Owen Daniels.
It took them a while against such a stout defense, but the Patriots would counter after recovering a Broncos fumble in New England's red zone.