In a nail-biter that came down to the wire, the New England Patriots narrowly defeated the Denver Broncos 18-17 in Week 17 of the 2026 season. With playoff implications on the line, both teams fought hard, but the Patriots managed to hold off the Broncos' late-game push to secure the victory. Bo Nix led the Broncos' offense with an impressive 307 passing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to move the ball effectively downfield. However, it was Ja'Kobi Lane of the Patriots who stole the show with a remarkable 130 receiving yards, proving to be a crucial target in key moments. RJ Harvey contributed on the ground with 47 rushing yards, but it was the aerial assault that kept the game competitive for Denver. Defensively, Gabe Jacas was a standout for New England, recording 6 total tackles and an impressive 3.5 sacks, making his presence felt throughout the contest. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Zah Frazier intercepted a crucial pass, halting Denver's momentum and ultimately sealing the victory for the Patriots. New England’s defense stepped up when it mattered most, ensuring they walked away with a hard-fought win.