Which AFC team presents the greatest challenge to the Broncos’ Super Bowl aspirations?  Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor Answer: New England Patriots No Broncos fan wants to see Denver travel to play the Patriots on the road in January. And with the remaining schedules for both teams, it’s a possibility. But no matter where they play, the Patriots will be the biggest challenge for the Broncos on their quest to go to the Super Bowl. The biggest reason is New England’s talented, second-year quarterback. Drake Maye is a gunslinger. He plays hero ball, and while that can get young quarterbacks in trouble during the playoffs, it can also lead to downfield big plays, which the Broncos defense has given up at times. On Sunday, the Commanders tried a couple times throwing it deep to see if the refs would call pass interference on Broncos cornerback Riley Moss. While no flags were thrown in the overtime win for Denver, an opponent’s biggest play has been a “DPI” on Moss plenty of times this season. With Maye’s ability to sling it downfield, there is a good chance Patriots coach Mike Vrabel puts it in the game plan. The Sean Payton-Vrabel coaching matchup would be one of the best in the playoffs. Maye, who has been sacked 40 times this season, which is a good thing for the Broncos, and his big-play ability is the scariest part of the Patriots. New England is Denver’s biggest obstacle on the way to Levi’s Stadium. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) carries for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed) Kyle Fredrickson, Broncos beat reporter Answer: Buffalo Bills  Don’t be fooled by the current standings. The Bills (8-4) poise the greatest threat to end a magical Denver season with a quick playoff exit.   Remember last year? The Bills ran away with a 31-7 AFC wild card victory. Quarterback Josh Allen torched the Broncos with 272 yards passing and two touchdowns. Running back James Cook ran wild with 120 yards on the ground.  Sure, plenty has changed since Jan. 12 in Buffalo. The Broncos added key defensive pieces and now boast one of the NFL’s top units. Quarterback Bo Nix has another season of experience under his belt. If the Broncos and Bills played tomorrow, especially in Denver, the Broncos would be betting favorites.   But I can’t shake this question: With a playoff game on the line, who do you want more at quarterback? Allen or Nix?   I’ll take Allen.  He’s been so close to a Super Bowl, twice reaching the AFC championship game, before falling short. The University of Wyoming product has failure as fuel to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The Bills have been uneven at times this season. The only thing that matters is playing your best when it counts the most.  The Broncos have been exposed at times this season facing elite quarterback play. That’s why they should want no part of the Bills in this postseason. It is a matter of time before Allen wins a Super Bowl. ...read more read less