Sadly, the AFC has been dominated by just a few franchises for more than a decade. The last time that anyone other than New England, Pittsburgh, Denver, Indianapolis or Baltimore went to the Super Bowl was 2002, when Oakland lost to Tampa Bay. Even moreso, those same teams have also dominated AFC Title Games in recent years. The last 12 teams to make the game (six years) have all come from the above list, and 25 of the last 28 (14 years), have been those five franchises, dating back to the game following the 2002 season. Going back even further, they have combined to make 35 of the last 44 appearances. Here is a list of the last time that each AFC franchise appeared in the Title Game, and their other appearances after that: New England: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2001, 1996, 1985 Pittsburgh: 2016, 2010, 2008, 2005, 2004, 2001, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1984, 1979, 1978, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1972 Denver: 2015, 2013, 2005, 1998, 1997, 1991, 1989, 1987, 1986, 1977 Colts (IND/BAL): 2014, 2009, 2006, 2003, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1968 Baltimore: 2012, 2011, 2008, 2000 New Jersey: 2010, 2009, 1998, 1982, 1968 San Diego: 2007, 1994, 1981, 1980 Oakland: 2002, 2000, 1990, 1983, 1980, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967 Tennessee (and Oilers): 2002, 1999, 1979, 1978, 1967 Jacksonville: 1999, 1996 Kansas City: 1993, 1969, 1966 Buffalo: 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1988, 1966 Miami: 1992, 1985, 1984, 1982, 1973, 1972, 1971 Cleveland: 1989, 1987, 1986, 1968 Cincinnati: 1988, 1981 Houston (Texans): No appearances yet -Even though the Dolphins haven't made the title game since 92, and 12 of the 16 AFC teams have been there more recently, their seven appearances is still the sixth most in the conference.
This is partly where I got my post from in the Club. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...4-of-the-last-16-afc-super-bowl-quarterbacks/ Sickening really and I hope that we have really turned that corner now.
Also worth pointing out. The longest streaks that AFC/AFL teams have ever gone between Championship Games in the Super Bowl era (1966-present). #1 Cincinnati, 1988-present. 28 years #2 Cleveland, 1989-present. 27 years. (However, just 24 seasons) #3 (tie) Miami, 1992-present. 24 years. #3 (tie) Colts, 1971-1995. 24 years. #5 (tie) Buffalo, 1993-present. 23 years #5 (tie) Kansas City, 1993-present. 23 years. #7 New England, start of SB era (1966)-1985. 19 years. #8 Cleveland, 1968-1986, 18 years. #9 Jacksonville, 1999-present. 17 years. #10 New Jersey, 1982-1998. 16 years. #11 Cincinnati, start of SB era (1966)-1981. 15 years. Houston has never gone to the game in their 15 years as a franchise. There are numerous streaks of 14 years, including the current ones of both the Titans and Raiders, who played one another in 2002. So, the three longest dry spells in the 51 year history of the Super Bowl era are all the current streaks of the Bengals, Browns and Dolphins. And then five of the six longest also, when you include Buffalo and Kansas City. And the current droughts of a total of eight franchises, half the conference, are the longest in franchise history. I firmly believe that the longer this goes, the more effect its having on fan interest, and consequently TV ratings. Not everyone is a lifelong superfan, and when the conference is dominated by a handful of teams for a decades long stretch, a lot of people are just going to give up and quit watching.
There is plenty of room under New England to be a contender - it just so happens that they are the gold standard on how to run things under salary cap restrictions - it's not realistic to expect to beat them until Brady or Belichick calls its a day. Miami, under Gase, can definitely be in with a shot to make the AFCCG (and the SB) if they stay on their current trajectory.
