The New England Patriots take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, January 20, 2019.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with his teammates after the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Fans celerbrate after the New England Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates during the trophy presentation after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) dives to the end zone for a touchdown to win the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Championship NFL football game in overtime, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick calls a timeout during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Tom Brady (12)during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) reaches for the ball against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kendall Fuller (23) during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks on his headset during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) pressures Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams (26) makes a touchdown reception against New England Patriots outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Frank Zombo (51) during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with center David Andrews (60) after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Phillip Dorsett during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (13) spikes the ball as he celebrates a touchdown reception during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (13) spikes the ball as he celebrates a touchdown reception during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (13) makes a touchdown reception against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks on his headset during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (13) makes a touchdown reception against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kendall Fuller (23) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett celebrates after making a touchdown reception during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) runs against Kansas City Chiefs defense during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) spins in the air as he is tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones (31) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) signals to the sideline during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is sacked by New England Patriots middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) runs against New England Patriots defense during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) celebrates a touchdown with center David Andrews (60) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) runs to the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) reacts after making a catch for a first down during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) runs against Kansas City Chiefs defense during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens (53) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hands off the ball to running back Sony Michel (26) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Berry (29) and inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens (53) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) runs to the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shouts as he warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft walks on the field before the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, right, arrives on the field before the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Fans bundle up as they arrive at Arrowhead Stadium before the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Cannon before the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead before the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tras su triunfo en tiempo extra, los Patriots de New England lograron lo que muchos creían impensable, ganar a los Chiefs en su propia casa por 37-31. De esta manera, el equipo de New England se hace acreedor al título de Campeón de la AFC, y, por consiguiente, el derecho de viajar por tercer año consecutivo al juego más importante del football americano, el Super Bowl.
"No puedo decir lo suficiente acerca del esfuerzo de mis jugadores y de los entrenadores el día de hoy, fue un trabajo increíble de parte de todos ellos", dijo Belichick en su conferencia.
Un partido dominado enteramente por los Patriots en la primera mitad (ventaja 14-0), se tornó en una férrea competencia cuando el equipo de Kansas se puso adelante 28-24 a solo 2:03 del final, obligando a New England a anotar rápidamente y ponerse adelante 31-28. Finalmente, los Chiefs anotan un FG de 48 yardas a solo 6 segundos del tiempo regular, llevando de esta manera el partido a tiempo extra con el marcador igualado 31-31.
Es aquí que los Patriots ganan el volado o moneda al aire y deciden empezar con su ofensiva, seguidamente Brady comanda una marcha de 13 jugadas y 75 yardas que finaliza con el touchdown del triunfo a través de una carrera de 2 yardas de Rex Burkhead.
Al final Brady termina su brillante actuación completando 30 de 46 pases para 348 yardas y 1 TD y 2 INT.
EL QB contó con la colaboración de todas sus armas aéreas, encabezado por Julian Edelman (7 de 10 recepciones, 96 yardas) y Rob Gronkowski (6 de 11 recepciones para 79 yardas), además de recepciones claves de Chris Hogan y James White.
Brady también recibió una buena protección de su línea ofensiva que lo mantuvo libre de capturas.
El juego terrestre también hizo su contribución con Sony Michel liderando el grupo con 29 acarreos para 113 yardas y 2 TDs, Burkhead también hizo lo suyo con 12 acarreos para 41 yardas y 2 TDs.
Defensivamente los Patriots mantuvieron la presión en Patrick Mahomes, el joven QB fue capturado en 4 ocasiones, terminando su buena actuación completando 16 de 31 pases para 295 yardas y 3 TDs.
El juego de carrera de los Chiefs no fue del todo trascendental, limitándose a 12 acarreos para 41 yardas y 1 TD.
Finalmente
Ahora los Patriots viajan por tercera vez consecutiva al Super Bowl en busca de su sexto campeonato de su historia y de la era Belichick-Brady.
