The 2026 AFC Championship brings back one of the conference’s most iconic postseason matchups when the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots, streaming on Paramount+.
The final two of the AFC feature a rivalry that has shaped multiple decades of AFC football. Their rivalry dates back to the charter members of the American Football League, with 55 total meetings. The Broncos lead the all‑time series 31–24, and these teams have met in the playoffs five times since 2005, with Denver holding a 4-1 edge. From the Brady–Manning wars of yesteryear to defensive slugfests in the mid‑2010s, this rivalry has delivered some of the AFC’s most memorable January moments.
Both franchises also bring deep Super Bowl pedigrees into this game. The Patriots last reached the Super Bowl in the 2018 season, while the Broncos’ most recent appearance came in the 2015 season, when Denver’s defense carried them to a championship. Combined, these AFC powerhouses have appeared in 19 Super Bowls (Patriots are 6-5 and Broncos are 3-5), making this AFC title game even more historic with a trip to Levi Stadium on the line.
Now, with Denver riding a top‑five defense and New England leaning on a resurgent offense under its new regime, the stage is set for another classic. This is a renewal of one of the AFC’s most defining rivalries, with a trip to Super Bowl LX hanging in the balance. Here’s how to watch on compatible devices, including Google TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.
How to Watch the 2026 AFC Championship Game
- Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: CBS (Paramount+)
- Where to Stream: Paramount+ | DIRECTV | Fubo | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | NFL+
CBS is also available to watch for free with an antenna, and using a site like Antennas Direct will help you find the best antenna and which affiliates are in your area.