FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have had what seems like an annual spot in the AFC championship game over the past decade.

But the fact that this year’s game is at home could factor into whether they are able to make a return trip to the Super Bowl.

The Patriots became the first team since the 1970 merger to advance to the AFC title game in six straight seasons with their win over the Houston Texans last week.

The Patriots are 5-1 at home in AFC championship games, with their lone loss coming in 2013 against the Ravens in Ray Lewis’ final trip to Foxborough.

While being at home doesn’t guarantee victory, playing the game at Gillette Stadium is welcomed by a team that has been on the road in two of their past three trips to the AFC title game. Both of those road games ended in losses to Denver, including a 20-18 defeat last season.

“It’s the energy. You get out there and everyone is really energetic. The fans are really intense,” receiver Chris Hogan said Tuesday.

“At the end of the day, it’s another football game, and I just have to approach it like that, just the way I’ve been approaching every single game this year. Go out there, play my best, play good football and try to help this team win as much as I can.”

Special teams captain Matt Slater acknowledged that New England’s performance against the Texans could have been better, but said no one is taking anything for granted about this latest shot at a Super Bowl berth.

“Anytime you win a playoff game, whether you play well or not, if you win the game that’s all that matters,” Slater said.