10 Surprising Stats That Reveal What’s Next for the Patriots in Their AFC Title Return

Who would’ve thought the Patriots could find their groove this quickly after the monumental Tom Brady era closed? It’s like they’ve dusted off the cobwebs and swung right back into the heart of AFC playoff action, with Drake Maye quietly turning heads as a quarterback-to-be and Mike Vrabel steering the ship with a savvy that commands respect. That 28-16 victory over the Texans wasn’t just a scoreline—it was a signal flare, a reminder that New England’s got serious postseason aspirations again. As someone who’s watched dynasties rise and fall, I can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement mixed with a healthy dose of curiosity about how deep this run could go. There’s history behind every snap, every touchdown, and every challenge faced on the gridiron. Now, buckle up, because the numbers behind the Patriots’ return to prominence speak volumes—and I’m here to break down every single one of them for you. LEARN MORE

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.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel reacts toward an official during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell) — 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)

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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.

Texans linebacker Azeez AlShaair fined by NFL for stop the genocide eye black Its bigger than me

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.