Turn on the game!

Three must-see events this week:

1. New England at Broncos (1 p.m. Sunday, CBS) — It’s a rematch 10 years in the making. This AFC Championship doesn’t have Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, but it does have a juicy Jarrett Stidham story.

2. Detroit Pistons at Nuggets (7 p.m. Tuesday, Altitude) — The best team in the Eastern Conference makes its only stop in Denver. The question: Who is healthy enough to play for the Nuggets?

3. Avalanche at Detroit Red Wings (11 a.m. Saturday, ABC) — The rivalry isn’t what it used to be but the Red Wings will be a tough challenge for the Avs.

Numbers game

746 — days since Stidham threw a pass in an NFL regular-season game. The Broncos QB will probably throw plenty in Sunday’s game against the Pats.

Box office

$31.56 — to check out Michael Porter Jr.’s return to Denver on Thursday when the Nuggets host the Nets. Porter is playing like an All-Star and could be traded to a contender at the deadline. Plenty of tickets at Ticketmaster.com

On this day

Jan. 25, 1998 — a big day in Colorado sports history as the Broncos beat the Packers 31-24 to claim their first Super Bowl title. Terrell Davis rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns on his way to MVP honors.

Final word

On the anniversary of the first Super Bowl win, the Broncos will host the Patriots with a chance to reach the team’s ninth Super Bowl. Oh, and John Elway is an honorary captain. And the Broncos have never lost to the Patriots at home in the playoffs. Broncos Country could have a special day.

—Chris Schmaedeke, The Denver Gazette