Sitting atop the AFC at 11-2, the Patriots seem destined to make their seventh Super Bowl appearance in the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era. The Patriots haven’t lost against an AFC opponent since Tom Brady came back as their only loss was a one touchdown loss to Seattle. The Patriots proved in their Monday night win, that even without Rob Gronkowski their offense is lethal and capable of carrying the Pats to Houston for Super Bowl 51. With the Patriots in prime position, we take a look at who can derail the Pats chances of playing for their fifth Lombardi Trophy.

The biggest threat to the Patriots is Andy Reid’s Chiefs. Kansas City is paced by their defense and special teams. The Chiefs defense is led by Eric Berry and Justin Houston. While their statistics don’t jump off the page, their defense is filled with talented players who are capable of containing any offense. The Chiefs special teams has improved as of late, with speedy youngster Tyreek Hill returning a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in recent weeks. The Chiefs boast a plus eleven turnover rating, which is third in the league. If they continue to win the turnover battle, the Chiefs will be a tough out when it comes January.

Next up on the list is the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders, like the Chiefs have ten wins this season and possess one of the league’s most potent offense. Oakland who ranks sixth in total offense have one of the game’s best quarterbacks in Derek Carr and a good reliable running back in Latavius Murray. The black and silver also have one of the league’s best offensive lines led by all pro offensive guard Kelechi Osemele. The issue with the Raiders is defense. Oakland ranks 30th in the league in total defense, giving up over 24 points a game. If the Raiders defense doesn’t improve, then they will get into a slug-fest with the Patriots, a matchup that they will surely lose. In addition, Oakland leads the league in penalties, which is not a good formula going up against the Patriots, who constantly pounce on opponents mistakes.

The most intriguing team in the AFC this season is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers at 7-5 are leading the North, but need to play well down the stretch just to secure a spot in this years playoffs. What makes the Steelers so intriguing is the fact that they may have the most dangerous team in the AFC. The Steelers have the best running back and wide receiver in the league, with Le’veon Bell and Antonio Brown respectively. With Big Ben, who is still a top ten quarterback, the Steelers are capable of putting up scores in a bunch. If the Steelers big three are able to perform at a high level, they will be difficult for the Patriots to knock off.

Verdict: The biggest challenge for the Patriots will be their defense. The Pats defense struggled temporarily after losing Jaime Collins, but have recovered nicely in the last 3 weeks. If the Patriots are able to secure home field advantage, the AFC is all but theirs. Gillette Stadium is one of the greatest home field advantages in sports, due to the cold weather and roaring fans, and it will be awfully difficult for anyone to go into Brady’s house and knock him off. The Patriots will face tough opposition in the playoffs, but will use their skill and experience to hoist the Lamar Hunt Trophy as AFC Champions.