When looking at the AFC Playoff candidates, one thing only came to mind, "Tom Brady can beat all of these guys." Is it possible that Brady and the New England Patriots are on the verge of capturing their first Super Bowl trophy since being crowned after SB XXXIX?
I think so.
First of all, it helps that they get a week off, meaning their players get to rest and their coaches begin to strategize as they await an opponent. The worst thing the Houston Texans did was lose allowing the Patriots to snatch the second seed in the AFC playoffs. Let's break down the matchups according to Brady's record against each team.
Cincinnati Bengals
This is just a hypothetical situation. Who is to say the Bengals are going to beat the Texans? Who's to say that they aren't?
In his career, Brady is 4-0 against Cincinnati. He's thrown 10 touchdowns and two interceptions against these guys in his career. Brady didn't face them in 2012.
Houston Texans
This matchup wasn't as entertaining as many expected it to be. The Patriots did what many, except Texans fans, thought would happen; they smoked the Texans 42-14 in Week 14. In his career, Brady is 3-1 against the AFC South crew that has gotten tremendously better since year after year.
And this is where it gets interesting.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens defeated the Patriots in an emotional game in Week 3 of the NFL season. It's probably one of the most memorable games of the season, but let's not get too caught up in that. The Ravens aren't the same team the Patriots faced at the beginning of the season.
You can't like the Ravens' chances much without Ray Lewis. It's that simple. Had the Ravens struggled at the start of the season, they might have missed the playoffs. They lost four of their last five and barely remained above the Bengals in the AFC North.
Brady is 4-1 against the Ravens in his career.
Denver Broncos
These guys have to be the favorite to win the AFC Championship, but hold up. However, Manning has been able to defeat Brady on rare occasions. Not, Eli, but Peyton.
When comparing their career numbers in the playoffs, Brady has the edge... By a lot. Manning is 9-10 in the playoffs, while Brady boasts a 16-6 record. So you do the math. Whether Manning is rocking an Indianapolis Colts jersey or the orange and blue, Brady has simply owned him.
The two met earlier this season and nothing changed. Brady routed the Broncos 31-21 in Week 5.
However, what's a Brady and Manning matchup without some drama? The Broncos are the only team Brady has a losing record against in the regular season. Career wise, Brady is 3-5 against Denver.
This isn't the regular season and Brady is once again starving for a Lombardi Trophy. There is no doubt in my mind that Brady can beat all these guys. The question lies within the team. Are the Patriots ready to beat everybody?
Brady won in his first three Super Bowl appearances and lost in the last two. With no New York Giants in the mix, who will stop Brady in the NFC?
These are questions everybody should ask themselves. All I'm saying is, if Brady is hoisting that Super Bowl trophy at the end of the game on February 3, I wouldn't be surprised.