Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has a message for teammates headed to Denver for the AFC Championship Game.

Broncos Country is no joke.

“It’s a challenge, man,” Henry told reporters at Gillette Stadium. “When that place is rolling … it’s going to be extremely loud.”

The Patriots advanced to the conference title game at 1 p.m. Sunday against the Broncos at Empower Field with a 28-16 playoff victory over the Houston Texans. Henry began his NFL career with five seasons in the AFC West (Chargers), and he’s well aware of the unique home field advantage in Denver.

“The elevation can be an issue. But it’s just staying hydrated and moving around a lot. We’ll be alright,” Henry said. “I know the environment will be a lot. They’ll be loud. We’ll have to match that intensity. It’s a big opportunity and I know all of the guys will be excited for it.”

The Patriots punched their ticket for the AFC Championship Game by overcoming the elements against one of the league’s top defenses.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye tossed three touchdown passes in the snow. He also coughed up four fumbles (two lost). New England’s defense stepped up with five takeaways — including four interceptions of Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud — and a pick-6 from Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones.

“I’m excited for these guys, but also, they’re not satisfied, and I can tell that. It wasn’t pretty,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel told reporters at Gillette Stadium. “Defense kept us in there. When we needed it, our offense was able to come through late.”

New England’s focus was already shifting to Denver during postgame news conferences.

“They’ve got a day on us, so we’ve got to get recovered,” Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez told reporters at Gillette Stadium.

New England is well aware that Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix is sidelined with a season-ending ankle injury. Backup Jarrett Stidham will start. Maye and Nix were both members of the 2024 NFL draft class. The Patriots selected Maye at No. 3 overall, and the Broncos took Nix with the No. 12 pick.

“I got to know (Nix) and his family and his wife. First off, they’re just great people (and) great Christians,” Maye told reporters at Gillette Stadium. “I really enjoy being around Bo Nix and his family. Obviously, the news, it’s heartbreaking. … I know he’s going to bounce back. He’s a great player in this league.”

The Broncos’ loss of Nix has inspired confidence among Patriots fans. Paul Perillo, editor of the Patriots’ official team website, discussed the upcoming AFC title game on their postgame studio show.

“Jarrett Stidham ain’t beating them,” Perillo said.

That confidence is also reflected in New England being 4.5-point road betting favorites over Denver (via FanDuel). But ask players and it’s clear that Stidham and the Broncos have the Patriots’ respect.

“We’re going to have a big challenge ahead of us in Denver,” Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane told reporters at Gillette Stadium. “We’re going to prepare. We’re going to do everything we need to be going into that game with confidence and swagger.”

BRONCOS-PATRIOTS PLAYOFF HISTORY

—2016: Broncos 20, Patriots 18 (AFC championship)

—2014: Broncos 26, Patriots 16 (AFC championship)

—2012: Patriots 45, Broncos 10 (AFC divisional)

—2006: Broncos 27, Patriots 13 (AFC divisional)

—1987: Broncos 22, Patriots 17 (AFC divisional)