AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Steelers at Patriots
At Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Sunday: 6:40 p.m.
TV: CBS
EARLY LINE
Patriots by 6: New England is playing in an NFL-record sixth consecutive conference championship game. But in their five previous chances to reach the Super Bowl, the Patriots are 2-3 including last year's loss at Denver. It's their first AFC Championship game at home since two years ago, when they defeated the Colts 45-7 _ the game that sparked the Deflategate saga. The Steelers are playing in a record 16th AFC Championship game, with a record of 8-7. Pittsburgh has won its last three AFC title games, most recently a 24-19 win over the Jets six years ago.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Patriots QB Tom Brady: He just keeps adding to his remarkable list of postseason accomplishments. Brady holds the record for most playoff games played (this will be No. 33), pass attempts, completions, passing yards and touchdown throws. He's also won 23 postseason games, the most of any quarterback in NFL history. But he struggled against the Texans on Saturday night, throwing two interceptions _ matching the same amount he threw in 12 regular-season games. He'll need to be better against the Steelers.
The Steelers were able to beat the Chiefs on Sunday without scoring a single touchdown. That won't be possible against the Patriots, who have one of the most potent offenses in football. The Steelers, with big-time weapons in receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le'Veon Bell, must find a way to get into the end zone. The Patriots certainly will find a way to score _ even without tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Brady did it, against the Texans, putting up 34 points against the best pass defense in the NFL despite throwing two interceptions. And he'll likely be able to do the same against a Steelers defense that has been shoddy at best. Expect a high-scoring game, but if the Steelers can't find their way into the end zone, it will get ugly.
