It's safe to say this is the most important lesson from Saturday's AFC divisional round game. The New England Patriots handled the Kansas City Chiefs, and will advance to their fifth straight AFC Championship Game, and the tenth of the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era. The Patriots improved to 8-1 at home this season, and the only loss came to Chip Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles.
I realize this means absolutely nothing for purposes of what Chip Kelly will do for the 49ers in 2016 and beyond, but that does not make it any less entertaining. The 49ers will actually face the Patriots at Levi's Stadium in 2016, so Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will get a crack at revenge!
The Chiefs were not exactly awful in this game, but they were not good. They could only manage field goals against the Patriots first two touchdowns. Alex Smith was unable to do much of anything down the field. And that last touchdown drive that set the final 27-20 deficit was a clock management disaster. The Chiefs were outmatched, and their season is over.
The Patriots advance to face the winner of Sunday's Broncos-Steelers game. If Denver wins, New England travels. If Pittsburgh wins, New England hosts.