The Patriots will sit back and wait on Wild-Card Weekend to find out who they will face next weekend in the divisional playoff round.
Will it be the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, or Baltimore Ravens?
I know a lot of people out there are a little confused with the format so I’ll clear it up for you. There are only 3 possible scenarios:
| Scenario | Patriots Play |
|---|---|
| Jets Win | Jets |
| Jets Lose & Chiefs Win | Chiefs |
| Jets Lose & Ravens Win | Ravens |
Now where does that leave Patriots?
Who do we actually want to go against?
As much as I would like to be playing in the NFC with their weak opponents we have to choose one of the three.
I think New England would have the best chance against the Chiefs. The Chiefs do have Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles as well as Dwayne Bowe but I don’t see Matt Cassel being able to rise to the occasion with the post-season pressure and being at Gillette.
Who are we most likely to go against?
I really don’t see the Jets taking down the Colts in their matchup. Manning has proved himself time and time again and Sanchez’s luck seems to be running thin.
I also don’t see the Chiefs taking down the Ravens. Flacco, (if he can hold on to the ball) has a number of targets to hit with Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin, and Todd Heap (recently back from injury) in his arsenal. Add Ray Rice and Willis McGahee to the receiving triple-threat and the Ravens have an impressive list of names on the offensive side of the ball. I think we’ll be seeing the Ravens in Gillette come the divisional playoff round, I also think we’ll win.
Thoughts?
Call me critical but, the comment about the NFC having
weaker teams is a just not true, save the Seahawks. The Packers
could be the most balanced team in the NFL and if you look at the
Pat’s last 7 wins…they were all blowouts save the Packers, who
gave NE all they could handle, at Gillette no less. More to that,
Michael Vick can revert back to his mid-season self, go 20 of 24
for 300+ and rush for 100. That mixed with a good Philly defense
and the Pat’s are in for a long day.
Do you know why Brandon Deaderick was suspended?
It was supposedly because he was late / missed team meetings consistently but the since removed the suspension. Bill is trying to keep everyone in line. Mike Wright went out on IR so that opened a spot up for Deaderick.
I did hear that he and Washington got into some trouble after the night of the Alabama game. Possible that Bill was less than thrilled.
I want to see the Jets arrive at Gillette…it will be fun to watch that game. Thanks for the breakdown on scenarios. Helpful!
how can you tell when bill is thrilled?