AFC Championship: Broncos vs. Patriots Inactives Revealed

Key players out for both teams as they battle for Super Bowl berth

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:41pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a football game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in shades of blue, red, and green, capturing the intensity and strategy of the AFC Championship matchup.The cubist deconstruction of the AFC Championship clash between the Broncos and Patriots reflects the strategic complexity and high stakes of the game.Denver Today

The highly anticipated AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots is set for January 25, 2026, with both teams dealing with key injuries and strategic roster decisions. The Broncos will be without several starters, including safety JL Skinner and wide receiver Troy Franklin, while the Patriots have also made some notable inactives, including linebacker Harold Landry and quarterback Tommy DeVito.

Why it matters

The outcome of this game will have major implications for which team advances to the Super Bowl, and the health and performance of the starting quarterbacks, Jarrett Stidham and Tom Brady, will be critical. Special teams and defensive line rotations will also play a significant role in determining the winner.

The details

The Broncos' inactives include safety JL Skinner, center Alex Forsyth, wide receivers Troy Franklin and Michael Bandy, linebacker Karene Reid, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, and defensive end Sai'vion Jones. The Patriots' inactives are outside linebacker Harold Landry, cornerback Kobee Minor, offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, offensive guard Caedan Wallace, tight end C.J. Dippre, wide receiver Efton Chism, and quarterback Tommy DeVito.

  • The AFC Championship Game is set for January 25, 2026, at 6:33 PM UTC.

The players

Jarrett Stidham

The starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

Tom Brady

The veteran quarterback for the New England Patriots.

Que Robinson

A key player who contributes to both the Broncos' special teams and defensive line.

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What’s next

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the AFC Championship Game unfolds, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments section!

The takeaway

This game will be a battle of attrition, with both teams dealing with key injuries and strategic roster decisions. The health and performance of the starting quarterbacks, as well as the contributions of role players on special teams and the defensive line, will be crucial in determining which team advances to the Super Bowl.