Patriots to Return to Super Bowl After 7-Year Hiatus With Win Over Broncos

‘You have to believe things sometimes before you can see them,’ Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said.

Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots celebrates with the Lamar Hunt Trophy during the Trophy Presentation of the AFC Championship Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver, Colo., on Jan. 25, 2026. Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Look out, America, the New England Patriots are really back.

New England held on for a 10–7 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. It marked the Patriots’ return to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season on the heels of two consecutive 4–13 seasons.