The 2019 AFC Championship Game was the championship game of the 2018 season of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The game was played on January 20, 2019, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, between the top two teams from the AFC: the No. 1-seeded Kansas City Chiefs and the No. 2-seeded New England Patriots.
The Chiefs entered the game as heavy favorites, having won the AFC West with a 12–4 record and having a bye week in the first round of the playoffs. The Patriots, on the other hand, had to win two road games to reach the AFC Championship Game, including a 42–27 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Divisional Round.
The game was a defensive battle for much of the first half, with both teams struggling to move the ball. The Chiefs took a 3–0 lead on a field goal by Harrison Butker in the first quarter, but the Patriots tied the game on a field goal by Stephen Gostkowski in the second quarter.
2019 AFC Championship Game
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a memorable and important game for many reasons:
- Chiefs' first AFC Championship Game since 1993
- Patriots' ninth consecutive AFC Championship Game
- Tom Brady's 14th career playoff game
- Patrick Mahomes' first career playoff game
- Lowest-scoring AFC Championship Game since 2011
- Chiefs' first AFC Championship Game win since 1993
- Patriots' first AFC Championship Game loss since 2012
- Chiefs advanced to Super Bowl LIV
- Brady's last game with the Patriots
- Mahomes' first Super Bowl appearance
The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to score points. The Chiefs eventually won the game 37-31 in overtime, thanks to a touchdown pass from Mahomes to Tyreek Hill.
Chiefs' first AFC Championship Game since 1993
The Chiefs' victory in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was their first since 1993. The Chiefs had a long and storied history of success in the AFL and early NFL, but they had not won a playoff game since 1993.
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Chiefs' last AFC Championship Game win
The Chiefs' last AFC Championship Game win came in 1993, when they defeated the Buffalo Bills 23-17 in overtime. The Chiefs went on to lose to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVIII.
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Chiefs' playoff struggles
The Chiefs had struggled in the playoffs since their last AFC Championship Game win. They had lost in the Divisional Round in each of the previous three seasons.
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Patrick Mahomes' impact
The arrival of Patrick Mahomes in 2018 changed the Chiefs' fortunes. Mahomes is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and he led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record in his first season as a starter.
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Chiefs' defense steps up
The Chiefs' defense also played a big role in their AFC Championship Game win. The defense held the Patriots to just 31 points, and they forced two turnovers.
The Chiefs' victory in the AFC Championship Game was a major moment for the franchise. It was their first AFC Championship Game win in 26 years, and it sent them to their first Super Bowl in 50 years.
Patriots' ninth consecutive AFC Championship Game
The Patriots' appearance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was their ninth consecutive AFC Championship Game appearance. This was an unprecedented run of success for any team in NFL history. The Patriots had won six of their previous eight AFC Championship Games, and they were looking to add to their legacy with a win over the Chiefs.
The Patriots' success in the AFC Championship Game was due in large part to the dominance of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Brady is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and Belichick is one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Together, they have led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories.
The Patriots' ninth consecutive AFC Championship Game appearance was a testament to their sustained success. They were able to reload their roster year after year, and they always seemed to find a way to win. Their appearance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was a reminder of their greatness, and it was a chance for them to add to their legacy.
However, the Patriots' streak of AFC Championship Game appearances came to an end in 2019. They lost to the Chiefs 37-31 in overtime, and they failed to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015.
Tom Brady's 14th career playoff game
Tom Brady's appearance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was his 14th career playoff game. This was a remarkable achievement, as it meant that Brady had played in more playoff games than any other player in NFL history.
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Brady's playoff success
Brady has been incredibly successful in the playoffs, winning six Super Bowls and having a career playoff record of 30-11. He is known for his ability to perform under pressure, and he has led the Patriots to many dramatic playoff victories.
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Brady's longevity
Brady's appearance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was a testament to his longevity. He was 42 years old at the time, and he was still playing at a high level. His ability to stay healthy and productive for so long is a credit to his dedication and hard work.
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Brady's legacy
Brady's appearance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game added to his already impressive legacy. He is considered by many to be the greatest quarterback of all time, and his playoff success is a big reason why. His performance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was another reminder of his greatness.
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Brady's last game with the Patriots
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was Brady's last game with the Patriots. He would go on to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason. This made his appearance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game even more special, as it was his last chance to win a Super Bowl with the Patriots.
Brady's performance in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was a reminder of his greatness. He threw for 348 yards and a touchdown, and he led the Patriots to a 37-31 overtime win. It was a fitting end to his Patriots career, and it added to his already impressive legacy.
Patrick Mahomes' first career playoff game
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was Patrick Mahomes' first career playoff game. Mahomes had taken over as the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 2018, and he had led the team to a 12-4 record and the AFC West division title. However, he had yet to play in a playoff game.
Mahomes' first playoff game was a tough one. The Patriots defense is one of the best in the NFL, and they held Mahomes to just 235 passing yards and one touchdown. Mahomes also threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown by the Patriots.
Despite his struggles, Mahomes showed flashes of his brilliance in the AFC Championship Game. He made several big plays with his arm and his legs, and he led the Chiefs to a 37-31 overtime win. Mahomes' performance in the AFC Championship Game was a sign of things to come. He has since become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he has led the Chiefs to two Super Bowl appearances.
Mahomes' first career playoff game was a learning experience for him. He made some mistakes, but he also showed his potential. He is now one of the most exciting players in the NFL, and he is poised to lead the Chiefs to many more playoff victories in the years to come.
Lowest-scoring AFC Championship Game since 2011
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was the lowest-scoring AFC Championship Game since 2011. The Chiefs and Patriots combined for just 68 points, with the Chiefs winning 37-31 in overtime.
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Defensive battle
The low score was due in large part to the strong play of both defenses. The Chiefs and Patriots both have top-ranked defenses, and they made it difficult for each other to score points.
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Few big plays
There were also very few big plays in the game. The longest play from scrimmage was a 38-yard pass from Mahomes to Tyreek Hill in the first quarter.
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Missed opportunities
Both teams also had missed opportunities to score points. The Chiefs missed two field goals, and the Patriots missed one field goal and had a touchdown called back due to a penalty.
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Overtime
The game went into overtime, which is rare for an AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs won the overtime coin toss and drove down the field for a touchdown to win the game.
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a defensive battle that was decided by a few key plays. The Chiefs' defense was able to make a few more big plays than the Patriots' defense, and that was the difference in the game.
Chiefs' first AFC Championship Game win since 1993
The Chiefs' 37-31 overtime win over the Patriots in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was their first AFC Championship Game win since 1993. The Chiefs had lost their previous four AFC Championship Games, including a loss to the Patriots in the 2018 AFC Championship Game.
The Chiefs' victory was a major moment for the franchise. It was their first AFC Championship Game win in 26 years, and it sent them to their first Super Bowl in 50 years.
The Chiefs' win was also a victory for Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and he led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record in his first season as a starter. Mahomes also threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns in the AFC Championship Game.
The Chiefs' victory was a team effort. The Chiefs' defense played a big role in the win, holding the Patriots to just 31 points. The Chiefs' special teams also played a big role, blocking a punt in overtime that set up the Chiefs' game-winning touchdown.
Patriots' first AFC Championship Game loss since 2012
The Patriots' 37-31 overtime loss to the Chiefs in the 2019 AFC Championship Game was their first AFC Championship Game loss since 2012. The Patriots had won their previous eight AFC Championship Games, including a win over the Chiefs in the 2018 AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots' loss was a major upset. The Patriots were favored by 3.5 points, and they had a 10-0 record at home in the playoffs under Bill Belichick.
The Patriots' loss was also a sign of changing times. The Patriots had been the dominant team in the AFC for nearly two decades, but the Chiefs are now a legitimate contender.
The Patriots' loss was a disappointing end to a great season. The Patriots finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, and they were the No. 2 seed in the AFC. However, they were unable to overcome the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Chief滸 advanced to Super Bowl LIV
The Chiefs滸 victory over the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game sent them to Super Bowl LIV. It was the Chiefs滸 first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl IV in 1969. The Chiefs滸 victory was a major upset. The Patriots were the defending Super Bowl champions and were favored by 3 points. However, the Chiefs滸 defense played a dominant game, holding the Patriots to just 3 points. The Chiefs滸 offense also did its part, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes threw for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game.- The Chiefs滸 defense was dominant. They held the Patriots to just 3 points, their lowest point total in the playoffs since the 2001 AFC Championship Game.
- The Chiefs滸 offense did its part. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- The Chiefs滸 victory was a major upset. The Patriots were the defending Super Bowl champions and were favored by 3 points.
- The Chiefs滸 victory was their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl IV in 1969.
Brady's last game with the Patriots
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was Tom Brady's last game with the Patriots. Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason, ending a 20-year career with the Patriots.
Brady's last game with the Patriots was a disappointing one. The Patriots lost to the Chiefs 37-31 in overtime, and Brady threw for just 209 yards and one touchdown.
However, Brady's last game with the Patriots was also a memorable one. Brady led the Patriots on a late touchdown drive to tie the game and send it to overtime. He also threw a touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski in the fourth quarter, which was Gronkowski's last catch as a Patriot.
Brady's last game with the Patriots was a fitting end to his legendary career with the team. Brady won six Super Bowls with the Patriots, and he is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Mahomes' first Super Bowl appearance
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was Patrick Mahomes' first Super Bowl appearance. Mahomes had led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record in his first season as a starter, and he had thrown for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Mahomes' first Super Bowl appearance was a successful one. He threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns, and he led the Chiefs to a 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Mahomes' performance in the Super Bowl was impressive. He showed poise and maturity beyond his years, and he made several big plays to lead the Chiefs to victory.
Mahomes' first Super Bowl appearance was a sign of things to come. He is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is poised to be a star for many years to come.
FAQ
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a memorable and important game for many reasons. Here are some frequently asked questions about the game:
Question 1: Who won the game?
Answer: The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New England Patriots 37-31 in overtime.
Question 2: Who was the MVP of the game?
Answer: Patrick Mahomes was named the MVP of the game after throwing for 294 yards and three touchdowns.
Question 3: What was the biggest play of the game?
Answer: Tyreek Hill's 75-yard touchdown reception in overtime was the biggest play of the game.
Question 4: What was the most controversial play of the game?
Answer: The most controversial play of the game was a pass interference call against the Patriots in the fourth quarter.
Question 5: What was the significance of the game?
Answer: The game was significant because it sent the Chiefs to Super Bowl LIV and ended the Patriots' run of nine consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances.
Question 6: What were the key stats from the game?
Answer: Patrick Mahomes threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns, while Tom Brady threw for 209 yards and one touchdown. Tyreek Hill had 142 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Damien Williams had 41 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Question 7: What was the impact of the game?
Answer: The game had a significant impact on the NFL landscape. The Chiefs' victory marked a changing of the guard in the AFC, as they emerged as the new dominant team in the conference. The Patriots' loss ended their era of dominance, and it signaled the end of the Tom Brady era in New England.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2019 AFC Championship Game. The game was a memorable and important moment in NFL history, and it will be remembered for years to come.
In addition to the FAQ above, here are some additional tips for writing an informative and engaging article about the 2019 AFC Championship Game:
Tips
Here are some tips for writing an informative and engaging article about the 2019 AFC Championship Game:
1. Focus on the key moments of the game. The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a back-and-forth affair with several key moments. Make sure to highlight these moments in your article, such as Tyreek Hill's 75-yard touchdown reception in overtime and the controversial pass interference call against the Patriots in the fourth quarter.
2. Provide context for the game. The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a significant event in NFL history. Make sure to provide context for the game, such as the Patriots' run of nine consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and the Chiefs' emergence as a new dominant team in the AFC.
3. Use quotes from players and coaches. Quotes from players and coaches can help to bring your article to life. Make sure to include quotes from key figures in the game, such as Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Bill Belichick.
4. Analyze the impact of the game. The 2019 AFC Championship Game had a significant impact on the NFL landscape. Analyze the impact of the game, such as the changing of the guard in the AFC and the end of the Tom Brady era in New England.
By following these tips, you can write an informative and engaging article about the 2019 AFC Championship Game that will be interesting and informative for your readers.
In addition to the tips above, here is a transition paragraph that you can use to move from the tips section to the conclusion section of your article:
Conclusion
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a memorable and important game for many reasons. It was a back-and-forth affair with several key moments, and it ultimately ended with the Chiefs defeating the Patriots 37-31 in overtime. The game was significant because it sent the Chiefs to Super Bowl LIV and ended the Patriots' run of nine consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances.
The game also marked a changing of the guard in the AFC. The Chiefs have emerged as the new dominant team in the conference, while the Patriots are in a rebuilding mode. The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a sign of things to come, and it will be remembered as one of the most important games in recent NFL history.
The 2019 AFC Championship Game was a reminder that anything is possible in the NFL. The Chiefs were a 12-4 team that had never won a playoff game before this season. The Patriots were a 13-3 team that had won six Super Bowls in the past 18 years. But on this day, the Chiefs were the better team. They played with more heart, more passion, and more determination. They deserved to win, and they are now one game away from winning their first Super Bowl in 50 years.