The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s AFC Championship Game between the No. 1 Broncos (14-3) and No. 2 New England Patriots (14-3) at Empower Field at Mile High:

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 20, Patriots 18

Anyone else tired of Chris Tomasson winning our NFL predictions every season? That’s an elite NFL writer for ya. His picks are uncanny. He never loses. The Broncos also never lose (at home in the playoffs) to the Patriots. They’re 4-0 in this scenario. Vance Joseph’s defense will dial up seven sacks, including two sack-fumbles, of Drake Maye. Denver’s on to Super Bowl LX.

Overall record: 13-5

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 21, Patriots 17

To advance to the Super Bowl, the Broncos defense will have to make a play. And Nik Bonitto is going to make that play against the Patriots. Bonitto will strip-sack New England QB Drake Maye and set the Broncos up for a late go-ahead rushing touchdown by Jarrett Stidham. Then the defense will have to hold and it will. The Broncos go on to Super Bowl LX and Stidham’s agent’s phone gets busy.

Overall record: 13-5

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 23, Patriots 20

In 2017, quarterback Jarrett Stidham led Auburn to two wins in a three-week span over No. 1 Georgia and No. 1 Alabama. The Patriots are just the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, so it might be no big deal for Stiddy to lead the Broncos to Super Bowl LX as the replacement for injured Bo Nix.

Overall record: 14-4

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Patriots 20, Broncos 16

There is no joy in Stiddy City, as Drake Maye and the Patriots prove to be one score too much for a Broncos defense that has faded a little down the stretch. But if you can promise me a plus-2 turnover advantage for Denver, I will gladly change my mind.

Overall record: 12-6

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Patriots 24, Broncos 21

Give backup turned starting QB Jarrett Stidham plenty of credit. He will perform admirably in his first NFL start in over two years. But you can’t replicate the Bo Nix clutch factor. Losing him changes everything in this game and leaves the Broncos with basically no margin for error. A few mistakes will cost them a trip to the Super Bowl.

Overall record: 11-7