AFC Championship
2027

Understanding the AFC Championship Format

The AFC Championship Game is the final round of the American Football Conference playoffs before the Super Bowl. Here’s how teams get there:

1. Wild Card Round (January 16-18, 2027): Six games across both conferences, with the top seed in each conference receiving a bye
2. Divisional Round (January 23-24, 2027): Four games, with the #1 seed hosting the lowest remaining seed
3. Conference Championships (January 31, 2027): Two games determine the Super Bowl matchup
4. Super Bowl LXI (February 14, 2027): The championship game at SoFi Stadium

The NFL does not use a fixed bracket system, meaning the highest-seeded remaining team always hosts. This creates additional incentive for teams to secure home-field advantage throughout the regular season.

2026-27 NFL Season: The Road to the AFC Championship

The 2026 NFL regular season is scheduled to begin on September 10, 2026 and conclude on January 10, 2027. Each team plays 17 games over 18 weeks. The seven AFC teams that qualify for the playoffs will be:

• Four division winners (AFC East, AFC North, AFC South, AFC West)
• Three wild card teams (best remaining records)

Division winners are seeded 1-4 based on overall record, while wild card teams are seeded 5-7. Only seeds 2-7 play in the Wild Card round; the #1 seed receives a first-round bye and hosts throughout the playoffs as long as they keep winning.

Super Bowl LXI: The Ultimate Prize

The winner of the 2027 AFC Championship will face the NFC Champion in Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This will mark SoFi Stadium’s second time hosting a Super Bowl (it previously hosted Super Bowl LVI in February 2022).

Super Bowl LXI will be historic as the first Super Bowl simulcast on ESPN and ABC, marking ABC’s first Super Bowl broadcast since Super Bowl XL in 2005. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET.

AFC Championship History

The AFC Championship Game has produced some of football’s most memorable moments since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Recent AFC powers include:

• Kansas City Chiefs – Dominated the AFC from 2018-2024 with multiple Super Bowl appearances
• Buffalo Bills – Four consecutive AFC Championship appearances in the early 1990s
• New England Patriots – Tom Brady-era dynasty with unprecedented AFC success
• Denver Broncos – Multiple championships including the Peyton Manning era
• Pittsburgh Steelers – Historic franchise with six Super Bowl titles

Notable 2026-27 NFL Season Developments

Several storylines will shape the road to the 2027 AFC Championship:

• Buffalo Bills’ New Stadium – The Bills will debut their brand-new Highmark Stadium in 2026, replacing the facility they’ve called home since 1973
• Baltimore Ravens Uniforms – The Ravens have filed for new uniform designs for 2026
• AFC South/NFC North Rivalry Uniforms – New “rivalries” uniforms debuting for divisional games
• Tennessee Titans’ Final Season – The Titans will play their last year at the current Nissan Stadium before moving to their new facility in 2027

How to Get AFC Championship 2027 Tickets

1. Monitor the playoffs: The venue and matchup will be determined after the Divisional Round concludes on January 24, 2027.
2. Act immediately: AFC Championship tickets sell out within hours of becoming available. Be ready to purchase as soon as the matchup is set.
3. Explore verified resale: Our trusted ticket marketplace connects fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets with buyer protection.
4. Consider travel packages: If your team makes the Championship, book flights and hotels immediately—host cities see massive demand.
5. Know your budget: AFC Championship tickets command premium prices, often ranging from $300 for upper-level seats to $2,000+ for prime sideline locations.

What to Expect at an AFC Championship Game

The AFC Championship is one of the most electric atmospheres in all of sports. Here’s what fans can expect:

• Capacity crowds: Host stadiums are always at full capacity with intense home-team support
• Prime-time atmosphere: Even at 3 PM, the stakes create an evening-game intensity
• National broadcast: CBS’s top announcing team with extensive pre-game coverage
• January weather: Most AFC stadiums experience cold-weather conditions in late January
• Trophy presentation: The Lamar Hunt Trophy is awarded to the AFC Champion on the field

Official NFL Resources

• NFL.com – Official league website
• NFL Playoff Bracket – Live bracket updates
• CBS Sports NFL – AFC Championship broadcaster

Frequently Asked Questions: AFC Championship 2027

When is the AFC Championship Game 2027?

The AFC Championship Game 2027 is scheduled for Sunday, January 31, 2027. Kickoff is expected at approximately 3:00 PM ET, with the game airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Where will the AFC Championship 2027 be played?

The venue will be determined by which team earns the higher seed in the 2026-27 NFL playoffs. The AFC Championship is always hosted by the higher-seeded team remaining after the Divisional Round. The location will be announced after games conclude on January 24, 2027.

Who is playing in the AFC Championship 2027?

The teams will be determined by the 2026-27 NFL playoffs. The two teams that win their Divisional Round games will meet in the AFC Championship. The matchup will be finalized after games on January 23-24, 2027.

How do I get AFC Championship 2027 tickets?

AFC Championship tickets become available after the Divisional Round when the matchup and venue are confirmed. Tickets sell out extremely fast through official team channels. Verified resale marketplaces offer authentic tickets with buyer protection for fans who miss initial sales.

How much do AFC Championship tickets cost?

AFC Championship ticket prices vary significantly based on the matchup, venue, and seat location. Expect prices ranging from $300-$500 for upper-level seats to $1,500-$3,000+ for lower-level sideline seats. Premium seating and club access command even higher prices.

What channel is the AFC Championship on?

The AFC Championship Game airs on CBS with streaming available on Paramount+. CBS has held AFC playoff broadcasting rights for decades and provides comprehensive pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage.

What time does the AFC Championship start?

The AFC Championship typically kicks off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT. This allows the NFC Championship to follow in the evening prime-time slot at 6:30 PM ET.

When is Super Bowl LXI?

Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The AFC Championship winner will represent the conference against the NFC Champion.

Where is Super Bowl LXI being played?

Super Bowl LXI will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This will be SoFi Stadium’s second Super Bowl after hosting Super Bowl LVI in February 2022. The game will air on ESPN/ABC in a historic simulcast.

How does AFC Championship seeding work?

The higher-seeded team remaining after the Divisional Round hosts the AFC Championship. Seeds are determined by regular-season record, with division winners seeded 1-4 and wild card teams seeded 5-7. The #1 seed receives a first-round bye and hosts as long as they keep winning.

What is the Lamar Hunt Trophy?

The Lamar Hunt Trophy is awarded to the AFC Champion. Named after Lamar Hunt, the founder of the American Football League and a key figure in the AFL-NFL merger, the trophy is presented on the field immediately after the game. The winning team then advances to the Super Bowl.

When do AFC Championship tickets go on sale?

Tickets typically become available within 24-48 hours after the Divisional Round concludes and the matchup is confirmed. This usually means tickets go on sale around January 25-26, 2027. Demand is extremely high, so tickets sell out quickly.

Can I buy AFC Championship tickets before the teams are determined?

Some resale marketplaces offer “contingent” tickets for specific teams before the playoffs conclude. However, most tickets become available only after the official matchup and venue are confirmed following the Divisional Round.

Is this an official NFL website?

No. This is an independent ticket marketplace operated by a licensed ticket broker. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the NFL, any NFL team, or the AFC Championship. For official information, visit NFL.com.

What happens if my team makes the AFC Championship?

If your team advances to the AFC Championship, act fast! Home-team tickets are in highest demand and sell out within minutes. Book travel immediately as flights and hotels in host cities see massive price increases. Consider verified resale options if official channels are sold out.