Little-known Tom Brady got his first career start filling in for an injured starter, and it was also the first of 17 matchups with Peyton Manning.
New England Patriots
AFC Championship Notebook: Weather shouldn’t affect game
There may be some precipitation late, but not a lot.
Broncos have a plan: Control the ball, keep Brady off the field
Denver wants to eat up yardage on the ground and make key receptions.
Ground and pound? Broncos will take it
Denver hopes strong play from running game can make difference Sunday.
Top picks in the draft seeking to be top dog in the Super Bowl
Three of the QBs still in the title chase went through the pressure of being a No. 1 overall selection.
Butler’s big moments with Patriots didn’t end with Super Bowl heroics
Malcolm Butler has had a strong second season after emerging as New England’s unlikely hero in last year’s title game.
Oops! NFL refs forget balls at hotel before Patriots game
A state trooper drove the equipment to Gillette Stadium, arriving about an hour before kickoff.
Patriots Beat: Family means so much to players
With the Super Bowl on the line, wives and children understand the preparation that must be done.
Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming rescues woman after car accident
The accident occurred in front of Fleming on Jan. 14 while he was driving home from practice.
No overwhelming favorite with NFL final four, but Patriots looking good
The Patriots should have the edge over the Broncos, and the Panthers should beat a betting line that favors the Cardinals.