10 notable numbers for Patriots as they return to AFC title game for first time since Tom Brady era

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.

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. 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.