NFL: 5 most likely teams to reach the AFC Championship game

They play in the AFC Championship game every year, except for last season.

It was strange to not see the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game last year, but that’s what tends to happen when it’s the end of an era. New England fell at home in the AFC Wild Card Round as the No. 3 seed to the Tennessee Titans. That was the last game Tom Brady played for the Patriots, as he signed a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

However, New England should be in great shape to contend for a playoff spot this season, even without Brady. The Patriots added former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton to a quarterback room that features fellow Auburn Tiger standout Jarrett Stidham and journeyman Brian Hoyer. If Newton edges out Stidham or Stidham is as good as the Patriots say, they will be a viable team.

What is interesting is they will have a formidable challenger, possibly two, in the AFC East this season. We mentioned the Buffalo Bills already, who are ready to win their first division title since the Clinton Administration. There is also the rebuilding Miami Dolphins, who are led by former Patriots top assistant Brian Flores. Miami may still be a year away, but the Dolphins are ascending.

There are three reasons we can see the Patriots can reach the AFC Championship game. One, they have an incredible defense led by superstar cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Two, Bill Belichick is still the best head coach in football. And three, New England has practically taken up residency in the AFC title bout for the last decade. No team is more comfortable on this stage than the Patriots.