NFL: Can the AFC compete with Denver and New England?

SO YOU’RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE

How is any AFC team going to be able to compete with these rosters? The AFC has basically become the NBA’s Eastern Conference, which the Miami Heat just ran through four straight seasons in a row. I don’t know if that’s likely for either Denver or New England, but I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. The one thing the rest of the AFC has on Denver and New England is time, and it’s starting to catch up with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning whether you want to believe it or not. The only way an AFC will catch Denver or New England next season is if Manning or Brady start to lose that edge or get injured. That’s the only way.

I know, I know, Manning just rewrote the offensive records books with the season he and Denver’s offense had last season. He doesn’t seem like he’s on his last legs. Neither does Brady, after leading a bunch of no-names to the AFC championship game. I’m an avid football fan, and I literally had no idea who Brady was throwing to last year. Sorry to go Chris Treager on you for a second.

Let’s say, just for kicks, Manning or Brady gets hurt or starts to lose it a little bit, kind of like Brett Favre did during those last two seasons in Minnesota where we all were legitimately concerned for his life. Then, what? Who has a chance to knock off the two AFC heavyweights? In my mind, two teams have a shot to upset Denver and New England, albeit a long one.