Earlier this week, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was asked if he had a message for the team’s fans who will be in attendance at Empower Field at Mile High for the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Payton, who has previously urged the Denver faithful to be loud during opposing teams' offensive possessions in the postseason, once again called for them to turn the noise up during their upcoming playoff matchup, promising extra time off should the Broncos emerge victorious.
"They're going to have plenty of rest after this one. Two weeks."
That comment from Denver’s coach indicates Payton believes his team will ultimately advance to Super Bowl LX over the Patriots, a prediction New England wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has taken issue with.
Kayshon Boutte rebuffs Payton’s Super Bowl guarantee ahead of the AFCCG
When reporters inquired of Boutte how he felt about Payton’s essential assertion that Denver fans will be preparing for the Super Bowl next week, he agreed the Broncos will have time to rest up, but that it wouldn’t come in preparation for a trip to Santa Clara, California, and a chance to play for the NFL’s greatest prize. Instead, the Patriots' wideout suggested a different travel itinerary.
Kayshon Boutte on Sean Payton saying Denver fans will have plenty of rest after the AFC Championship game:
— Kevin Moore (@KMooreTV) January 22, 2026
Kayshon said he didn't see it, but added, "They can rest in Cancun too at the end of the day." @NBC10 pic.twitter.com/r9YSR4t5Jm
Boutte has been a key contributor for Patriots so far in the postseason
After setting a career high in touchdown receptions (six) during the regular season, Boutte has stayed hot for New England so far through the playoffs. He’s tied for the team high in postseason catches (seven) and scoring grabs (one), while leading the squad in receiving yardage (141) and first downs gained through the air (five).
The LSU product was particularly clutch in New England’s Divisional round matchup with the Houston Texans. Boutte racked up 43 yards on his first two catches of the contest, both coming during a late first-half scoring drive which ended with a Stefon Diggs touchdown that pushed the Patriots' lead to 21-10.
Later in the game, with New England holding on to just a five-point advantage entering the fourth quarter, Boutte hauled in a tremendous one-handed 32-yard touchdown grab along the sideline to put the team up 28-16, a lead they would never relinquish.
The wide receiver was not alone in dismissing Payton’s comment
The Patriots pass-catcher wasn’t the only member of the organization who was asked about Payton’s message to Denver fans about resting up before the Super Bowl.
Mike Vrabel asked about Sean Payton's comments about Broncos fans having two weeks to rest up
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) January 22, 2026
"I think we're plenty motivated for the game."
New England’s own head coach, Mike Vrabel, faced a similar question to the one posed to Boutte, but the Patriots skipper downplayed the importance of the Denver coach’s words, saying his squad already has a plethora of reasons to want to beat the Broncos on Sunday.