AFC Championship Game

The AFC Championship Game is the annual championship game of the American Football Conference (AFC) and one of the two semi-final playoff games of the National Football League (NFL), the largest professional American football league in the United States. The game is played on the penultimate Sunday in January by the two remaining playoff teams, following the AFC postseason's first two rounds. The AFC champion then advances to face the winner of the NFC Championship Game in the Super Bowl.

History

The AFC Championship Game started in the 1970 season after the merger between the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League, as part of the merger agreement between the two leagues. The game matches the winners of the AFC's two divisions, who compete in a playoff to determine the conference champion. The location of the game is determined by regular season records, with the highest remaining seed hosting the game.

Significance

The significance of the AFC Championship Game lies in its role as the final step before the Super Bowl, the NFL's championship game. Winning the AFC Championship not only awards the team the Lamar Hunt Trophy, named after the founder of the AFL and longtime leader of the Kansas City Chiefs, but also secures a spot in the Super Bowl, where the AFC champion faces off against the NFC champion.

Notable Games

Over the years, the AFC Championship Game has featured many memorable moments and historic matchups. Some of the most notable games include:

- The 1986 game between the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, known for "The Drive," a series of plays led by Broncos quarterback John Elway that tied the game in the final moments, leading to an overtime victory for Denver. - The 1994 game where the San Diego Chargers overcame a 21-6 halftime deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and advance to their first Super Bowl. - The 2001 game that launched the New England Patriots dynasty, where they defeated the Oakland Raiders in a game known for the controversial "Tuck Rule."

Impact on Players and Teams

Victory in the AFC Championship can define a player's or a coach's career, elevating their status and often enhancing their legacy within the sport. For many teams, winning the AFC Championship represents the pinnacle of success, especially for those who have not yet won a Super Bowl.

Recent Trends

In recent years, the AFC Championship Game has often featured dominant teams such as the New England Patriots, who have made numerous appearances under the leadership of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The competitiveness of the game has remained high, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens also emerging as frequent contenders.

See Also

• NFC Championship Game
• Super Bowl
• NFL Playoffs
• Lamar Hunt Trophy