Sean Payton's failed fourth-down call in the AFC Championship ended the Broncos' Super Bowl hopes.

The Broncos lost out on a trip to the Super Bowl due to Sean Payton's contentious fourth-down call in the closing minutes of the AFC Championship game. Payton chose to go for it rather than punt when the game was on the line and there was a crucial down. This decision backfired when the Broncos were unable to convert. Given the high stakes, the decision was immediately criticized for being excessively risky and aggressive. The defeat put an end to Denver's postseason run and spurred discussion about coaching tactics under duress.