10 notable numbers for Patriots as they return to AFC title game for first time since Tom Brady era
- - 10 notable numbers for Patriots as they return to AFC title game for first time since Tom Brady era
Yahoo Sports StaffJanuary 19, 2026 at 2:50 AM
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The New England Patriots are no longer wandering in the quarterback wilderness after Tom Brady’s exit from the franchise. Yep, the Patriots are back in familiar playoff position, deep into the AFC postseason and a win away from the Super Bowl with quarterback/MVP candidate Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel leading. The Patriots got here via a 28-16 win over the Houston Texans in the divisional playoffs on Sunday.
Here are some notable numbers on New England’s retrenchment in the AFC playoffs:
16
Number of AFC title games the Patriots have made in their history. They won 11 of the last 15.
Mike Vrabel didn't take long to get the Patriots back in Super Bowl contention in his first season as New England's head coach. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell) ()3
AFC title games the Patriots have been to without Tom Brady.
2
AFC title games Mike Vrabel has been to as a head coach. The other was with the Tennessee Titans in the 2019 season, when he lost to Kansas City at Arrowhead.
5
AFC title games Mike Vrabel has been in as a player. He was 4-0 as a Patriot and 0-1 as a Pittsburgh Steeler, where he spent his rookie year.
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2,562
Days between Tom Brady's last AFC title game with the Patriots and next Sunday's conference title game against the Broncos. Brady’s final AFC triumph happened in the 2018 season when New England defeated Kansas City in overtime.
29
Years since the Patriots played in an AFC title game without Tom Brady.
133rd
Overall NFL Draft pick Jarrett Stidham was when the Patriots selected him in 2019. Now playing for the Denver Broncos, he’ll face the Patriots next Sunday for a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
5.5 pts
Favorites the Patriots opened, per BetMGM, entering AFC championship week. It makes the Broncos the biggest home underdog as a No. 1 seed in a conference title game since 1970.
13
Age Drake Maye was the last time the Patriots faced the Broncos in Denver for the AFC title game on Jan. 24, 2016. Tom Brady and New England came up short that day, 20-18.
0-4
Patriots' all-time playoff record against the Broncos in Denver.
Source: “AOL Sports”
