Patriots kicker Chad Ryland delivers a Christmas miracle for Bill Belichick and New England as his 56-yard go-ahead field goal clinches a 26-23 win in the dying seconds against the Broncos… as Denver’s playoff hopes are put on life support

Patriots kicker Chad Ryland kicked a 56-yard field goal with just two seconds remaining Sunday night as New England effectively ended Russell Wilson and company’s playoff hopes in Denver.

The Broncos climbed out of a 23-7 hole in the fourth quarter, tying the game on Brandon Johnson’s touchdown run and Javonte Williams’ subsequent two-point conversion with 2:53 remaining.

And although Denver got the ball back with 1:42 left, it was the Patriots who ultimately prevailed 26-23 in the Mile High City, giving Bill Belichick’s team just its fourth win of the season.

With the Patriots set to miss the postseason for the third time in four years, Belichick’s performance has come under increasing scrutiny, although Sunday’s victory will at least temporarily lift spirits.

Patriots kicker Chad Ryland (37) reacts after kicking the game-winning field goal on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Broncos fell to 7-8 with a heartbreaking loss and now have just a three percent chance of making the playoffs, according to Next generation statistics.

Denver has 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 had a nearly identical 256 yards and two touchdowns.