AFC Championship Tickets | NFL Playoffs 2013-2014

With the NFL Playoffs only a couple weeks away, AFC Championship Tickets are on sale for those confident that their team will reach AFC Championship.  If your one of those people, TickPick offers a wide selection of AFC Championship Tickets with no strings attached, meaning if the game is not played for your team, you will be fully refunded!

What is the benefit of purchasing tickets before your team reaches the AFC Title game? Well for one you can score tickets at cheaper prices than after your team is on the cusp of the Super Bowl. For example, if the AFC Championship game ends up being the New England Patriots vs. the Denver Broncos (my prediction), ticket prices will skyrocket. The Brady / Manning Rivalry alone drives ticket prices during the regular season, and this dream match-up for football fans has the potential to become the highest priced AFC Championship game in league history on the secondary market.

So let’s take a look at the five teams that have already clinched playoff births (seeding still undecided) and make the argument for and against their chance to play at home in AFC Championship.

Denver Broncos

Why they will: Peyton Manning, plain and simple. The Sportsman of the Year just broke Tom Brady’s record for most touchdowns in a season with 51, and there is still one week left to go. He has plenty of weapons in Demarius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker (when healthy), and Julius Thomas. The Broncos were essentially a play away from reaching the AFC Championship last season, and it’s difficult to see Manning letting that happen again.

Why they won’t: Denver’s defense has struggled most of the season, needing Manning to simply outscore the opposition. Von Miller will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, and Manning’s history in cold weather games is a concern. If Denver beats Oakland this weekend Denver will have home field throughout, expect Denver does not have a dome.

New England Patriots

Why they will: Tom Brady and Bill Belichick The Golden Boy has led the Patriots to an AFC East title despite being without their top two receivers from last year (Hernandez and Gronkowski), their best defensive player (Vince Wilfork), and their best linebacker (Jerod Mayo). Strapped with as few weapons as he’s ever had, Tom still put up Brady numbers with 24 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards passing with a week left.

Why they won’t: Injuries. Despite the Patriots uncanny ability to weather any storm, injuries can catch up to any team once the playoffs begin. Brady’s receivers are not completely reliable, and one wrong route (or dropped pass) can cost the Patriots (again).

Cincinnati Bengals

Why they will: Balance. Despite losing Geno Atkins and Leon Hall, the Bengals defense is still one of the best in the league. Their offense is formidable as well with plenty of play-makers in AJ Green, Gio Bernard, and Tyler Eifert. When Andy Dalton is playing well this is one dangerous team.

Why they won’t: Andy Dalton. He is one of the main reason the Bengals have not been able to escape the first round of the playoffs the past few seasons. If cannot step up his game in the postseason the Bengals will again be eliminated in the first round.

Indianapolis Colts

Why they will: Andrew Luck. The second year quarterback has been everything the Colts could have hoped for this season. Losing Reggie Wayne to an ACL tear did have an effect on his numbers, but he has bounced back to lead Indy to a road win in Kansas City this past week, the Colts likely first round opponent.

Why they won’t: Defense. The Colts have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and they have a terrible habit of falling behind early in games. They will be hard pressed to get away with giving up big leagues in the post season, even with Andrew Luck behind center.

Kansas City Chiefs

Why they will: Old fashioned defense and running game. Jamaal Charles has made a serious case for MVP, with over 1,200 yards rushing and nearly 700 yards receiving, with a combined total of 19 TDs. The Kansas City pass rush of Dontari Poe, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston was on pace earlier this season to break the record for most team sacks, but recently they have struggled to generate a pass rush. If they can return to early season form the Chiefs are very dangerous.

Why they won’t: Their defense. If they cannot generate a pass rush the Chiefs will continue to give up big plays and lots of points. With Alex Smith at QB they can’t put up enough points to win in a shootout, especially when facing Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Also, being locked into the 5th seed they will be forced to play on the road.

With four teams vying for the 6th seed and no chance of playing a home playoff game, we haven’t included them. Agree or disagree with our reasoning? Let us know in the comments below!