Although there is a lot on the line in this week's matchup against the Broncos, as it determines which AFC team goes to the Super Bowl, the Patriots have accomplished far more in 2025 than anyone imagined, so a trip to the AFC Championship is far beyond all expectations.
Mike Vrabel's first year as the head coach and Drake Maye's incredible second-year jump have been highlighted all year, and the optimism that has built won't fade away if they are unable to leave Denver with the win.
A win would make the season even better, of course, but the odds are stacked against them in a way only history shows, and given the inexperience of this New England roster, going on the road in a harsh environment, there's a good chance that history will repeat itself on Sunday afternoon.
Perhaps they can finally break the curse and create a new chapter in their rivalry with the Broncos.
History suggests the Patriots have no chance against the Broncos in the NFL playoffs
Looking back at history, the Patriots have fared poorly against their upcoming opponent, having never beaten Denver in the postseason, not even when Tom Brady was under center.
In fact, the greatest of all time lost to the Broncos in the playoffs three times in his career (2005 divisional round, 2013 AFC Championship, and 2015 AFC Championship), and now Maye is hoping to break a bad streak that even one of the most legendary quarterbacks wasn't able to do.
The task is tall, particularly the defensive talent he will have faced in this playoff run, with the Broncos next on the docket. Depending on what stats you look at, they are ranked between second and eighth in the league, so the Patriots' offense will have another battle on their hands, but this time, on the road.
It's possible they'll fare better because of it, as they were the only team during the 2025 season to go undefeated on the road, with a lot of credit to the quarterback for leading the way. Not only did he lead the team to a nice 8-0 away record, but his performance put him in the MVP conversation for good reason.
He recorded a 74% completion, 2,186 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, with a 120.2 passer rating. All of that doesn't even include the 215 rushing yards and a touchdown that he also added to his production.
They will certainly need that kind of performance, if not better, to steal the win and accomplish something the franchise has never done. That would only add to the impressive resume Maye has already built this year, and prove even further that the Patriots are back in a way the NFL wished would never be seen again.