For the second time in three years, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots stand in the way of the Broncos advancing to the Super Bowl.
The AFC Championship Game kicks off just after 1 p.m. Sunday at orange-drenched and sold out Sports Authority Field at Mile High, with the winner advancing to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 7.
It will be the 17th and perhaps final meeting between Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, the two best quarterbacks of their generation, and an unprecedented fourth time in an AFC Championship Game.
Brady leads the series, 11-5, but the home team has won each of their four previous playoff meetings.
The Patriots are a three-point favorite after beating the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-20, last week in the divisional round.