Patriots' Super Bowl path is starting to look eerily familiar

"The New England Patriots are just a game away from the Super Bowl: only Jarrett Stidham's Broncos stand in the way. While their matchup in Denver will likely be closer than people think, it's safe to say it would be incredibly disappointing if they were unable to win and reach the Super Bowl. As of the divisional round, the 49ers were the only NFC squad New England hadn't previously matched up against in the Super Bowl."

"24 years separate the franchise's first Super Bowl win and the present day, and the Foxborough squad has come a long way. Looking to capture their seventh Super Bowl, the Patriots have the chance to win their first with a quarterback not named Tom Brady. The Pats have been to the Super Bowl so many times, the only NFC team that *wouldn't* have been a rematch should the pats make it would have been the Niners- Robby (@greerreNFL) January 19, 2026"

"The Rams and Seahawks present different challenges. The Rams, led by MVP candidate Matt Stafford, have an embarrassment of riches offensively. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are one of the league's premier duos at wide receiver, while Colby Parkinson has made some key plays this postseason. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combine to make up a solid backfield. Defensively, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford make up an excellent defensive line, while Jared Verse and Byron"

The New England Patriots are one win away from the Super Bowl and must beat Jarrett Stidham's Broncos in Denver to advance. Only the Seahawks and Rams remain as potential NFC opponents, and the Patriots hold a 3-0 Super Bowl record against NFC West teams with wins in 2001, 2014, and 2018. Twenty-four years separate the franchise's first Super Bowl win and the present, and the team aims for a seventh title and the franchise's first without Tom Brady. Past decisive moments include a 20-17 win over the Rams, Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception sealing a 28-24 victory, and a Gostkowski field goal clinching a 13-3 win in 2019. The Rams present significant offensive weapons and a strong defensive front.

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