Why the NFL is on a Crash Course for an AFC Championship Re-Match

Mathew Huff

9/28/2016

Last year saw the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots pitted against each other for the battle of the AFC. The Broncos went on to win the game and carry the momentum to capture Super
Bowl 50. While many speculated that both teams may decline this year, it looks as of right now that we are on a crash course for an AFC Championship re-match. With both teams undefeated and looking unstoppable, it doesn't look like anyone else can match up within the league. 

The Patriots had questions around them all off-season with Brady being suspended for the first 5 games. However; those doubts have been laid to rest after shutting out the Houston Texans with a 3rd string quarterback last Thursday night. Bill Belicheck has proven time and again that he can make mountains out of mole hills. Well, with the rest of the talent this team possesses outside of the quarterback position, there seems to be only one team in the league that is standing in their way. That would be their AFC rival, the Denver Broncos. Despite being the defending champions, the Broncos have been utterly disrespected from when they won the championship. With every one counting them out due to their "key losses," the Broncos have just played with a chip on their shoulder like they did last year. With a offensive line that is finally good enough, and a young, spry quarterback that has shown great potential, there really is no reason for Denver not to be a favorite to repeat. With their core of the defense still intact, the Broncos have once again been striking fear into opposing offenses. Therefore; it is safe to say Denver's biggest threat to them defending the crown is the New England Patriots. The Patriots will have a new-found attitude of seeking vengeance on their AFC foes when they face off later in the year in a game that may decide home-field advantage for the post season. Meanwhile, the Broncos will have finally fully adapted to Gary Kubiak's offensive scheme and possibly even, I know it's scary to think about, improved their defense a bit. One thing is for certain, no other team in the AFC as of right now is on the level these two teams are on at this point. 

The Steelers showed major issues against the Eagles, the Chiefs and Raiders are still having trouble finding consistency, and the Bengals have some weaknesses of their own that will hurt them in the playoffs. The Patriots and Broncos are the two best equipped teams to make a run at Super Bowl 51. While things could change later in the year barring injuries, suspensions, and other risks, the reality here approaching week 4 is that things seem to be headed towards an AFC Championship re-match. While I am going to avoid predicting a winner between these two teams to remain as objective as possible, it is safe to say that a game between these two teams with the talent they have will be very fun to watch and analyze.