Patriots kicker Chad Ryland scored a 56-yard field goal with just two seconds left on Sunday night as New England effectively ended Russell Wilson and Co.'s playoff hopes. in Denver.
The Broncos dug themselves out of a 23-7 hole in the fourth quarter, tying the game with a Brandon Johnson touchdown and Javonte Williams' subsequent two-point conversion with 2:53 left.
And while Denver got the ball back with 1:42 to go, it was the Patriots who ultimately came away with the 26-23 win in the Mile High City, giving Bill Belichick's squad just its fourth win of the season.
Ryland's kick capped a seven-play, 44-yard drive that began with 58 seconds left after the Broncos had gone three-and-out.
The rookie was the worst full-time starting kicker in the league with a 65% field goal percentage (13 of 20), and he missed from 47 yards out late in the first half on Sunday night. He also missed an extra point in the third quarter.
Patriots kicker Chad Ryland (37) reacts after kicking the game-winning field goal on Sunday
With the Patriots set to miss the postseason for the third time in four years, Belichick's job is coming under increasing scrutiny, though Sunday's win will at least temporarily lighten the mood.
The Broncos, meanwhile, fell to 7-8 with the heartbreaking loss and now have just a three percent chance of making the playoffs, the newspaper said. Next generation statistics.
Denver had won six of its last eight games after starting the season 1-5.
Wilson finished the game with 238 yards and two touchdowns, while New England's Bailey Zappe recorded a nearly identical 256 yards for two touchdowns.
After trailing 23-7, the Broncos tied the score when Russell Wilson threw touchdown passes to Lucas Krull and Brandon Johnson out wide and converted two-point passes to Johnson and Javonte Williams.
Bailey Zappe gave New England its first lead with a 15-yard touchdown throw to Ezekiel Elliott.
The Broncos were severely missing Courtland Sutton, who has 10 touchdown catches this season, when he fouled out in the first quarter and was diagnosed with a concussion.