Sean Payton tells Broncos fans to prepare for Super Bowl

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Sean Payton tells Broncos fans to prepare for Super Bowl

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Thu, Jan 22, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Denver Broncos are heading into the AFC Championship game with their backup quarterback, but Sean Payton doesn't lack any confidence in the matchup with the Patriots .

On Wednesday, the veteran head coach was asked if he had a message for Broncos fans after asking them to be loud in Denver's divisional matchup against the Buffalo Bills . This time, Payton's message was simple – get ready for the Super Bowl.

"Well, they're going to have plenty of rest after this one," Payton said. "Two weeks."

The winner of Sunday's conference championship will play in Super Bowl LX out in Santa Clara, Calif., in Levi Stadium. That matchup happens two weeks after the AFC title game.

A veteran coach, Payton won Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints during the 2009 season. After losing starting quarterback Bo Nix , who suffered a broken ankle, Payton clearly wants to keep his team motivated and confident heading into this matchup against the Patriots .

With Denver starting backup Jarrett Stidham at quarterback, the Patriots are considered the favorites in this matchup.

That hasn't stopped Payton from expressing confidence in his team or quarterback. Stidham hasn't started a game since the end of the 2023 NFL season. He started two games that year for Payton's Broncos.

The head coach said Stidham exudes confidence.

"That's his personality. He's gonna rip it, you know?" Payton said. "That'll be our approach. He's got this calm demeanor that I think suits him well. He's played in big games (in) college. You know, I said this at the start of the season, I felt like our two was inside the best 32. I think everyone feels that way, but that's why that signing was important. And you don't know when it's happening, but I'm glad it happened."

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