In a hard-fought battle for playoff positioning, the Denver Broncos narrowly defeated the New England Patriots 24-17 in Week 17 of the 2026 season. Both teams came in with high stakes, as playoff aspirations hung in the balance, making this matchup even more intense. Leading the charge for the Broncos was quarterback Bo Nix, who threw for one touchdown, while RJ Harvey showcased his skills on the ground with 92 rushing yards. Courtland Sutton was a standout in the receiving game, racking up 121 yards, providing Nix with a reliable target throughout the contest. Despite the loss, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye finished strong with 231 passing yards, keeping his team competitive until the final whistle. Defensively, the Broncos made crucial stops, led by Isaiah Bolden's eight tackles, which helped stifle the Patriots' offensive drives. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Denver's defense forced a critical turnover, allowing the Broncos to maintain their lead and ultimately secure the victory. Gabe Jacas did his best for New England with two sacks, but it wasn't enough to shift the momentum in their favor.