There are two reasons why Sunday's AFC Championship game is being played in Denver: A vicious string of New England Patriots injuries that only worsened during and after their Week 12 trip to Mile High, and the outcome of that Week 12 game.
Yes, Denver won, but in many respects, the Patriots defeated themselves.
If not for an early fourth quarter muffed punt by undrafted rookie Chris Harper, the night may have never unraveled the way it did. The Patriots would have had the ball at their own 36-yard-line, in complete control with a 21-7 lead. Instead, Denver needed only four plays to score from the 36, cutting the lead to 21-14 and turning the tide.