What needs to happen for a playoff BYE

[richpats]

1) Pats need to win out. We can't afford another conference loss at this point.

2) Baltimore needs TWO losses down the stretch. They are all AFC games, and if we win out we'll be a game ahead. They go to Cincy (Thursday), KC and Pittsburgh - it could very well happen.

3) San Diego needs to lose at Buffalo or vs. Denver (preferably both, but unlikely). They would have 3 AFC losses (like us), plus this would pull us even in the 'common games' tiebreaker (CIN, DEN, BUF, TEN). The next tiebreaker is strength of victory, and we have a huge lead over SD thanks to yesterday's win.

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If we don't get the #2 seed, I'd prefer the Ravens get the bye and NE be #3. We should manage at home vs. the #6 seed, plus I'd prefer the team travel down to Ballamore rather than cross-country to San Diego. The Ravens are a better matchup for us. Also, it would give us a chance to host the AFC title game should Indy falter against SD (very possible).

 

[Pats726]

Baltimore has Cincu and KC away....Cinci has been regaining a lot the last few weeks...and needs wins to make a playoff eun..KC is in a similar situation and Arrowhead is hard to play at...VERY possible to lose..one maybe two..I was hoping Pitts would give them a game..If Pits has any pride left they will take the loss yesterday and give it back to the Ravens when they go to Steeler City...Cleveland..Buffalo??? might be hard..but we shall see...
As far as SD is concerned..they have Denver, KC and Seattle, all tough games...as wella s Buffalo who may be on the rise after beating Jax.
I think it is possible..SD is again like Indy peaking early...and Baltimore is a real surprise..so they may hit a wall at some point..there's a lot of games left topaly..

 

[psychoPat]

Good thread ... good info.
This is the foremost football question on my mind.

Those all seem to be makeable conditions.
Since this is such a strong road team, home field scarcely matters.
But the bye would be priceless.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

I hope we face Kansas City and then Indy. I don't like our match up with Denver if their new QB works out, and I don't like to face Steve McNair with a great defense or San Diego with an improved defense and running back that simply kills us every time.

Indy is still soft, and Kansas City has Herman at the wheel.

We won't have four turnovers against the Dolts again. Which means we win. We always seem to get a second shot at teams that beat us during the year.

 

[rabthepat]

I hope we face Kansas City and then Indy. I don't like our match up with Denver if their new QB works out, and I don't like to face Steve McNair with a great defense or San Diego with an improved defense and running back that simply kills us every time.

Indy is still soft, and Kansas City has Herman at the wheel.

We won't have four turnovers against the Dolts again. Which means we win. We always seem to get a second shot at teams that beat us during the year.

I agree 100%. Avoid Denver at all cost. I think the Ravens will hang on to the #2 spot. They look tough on defense.

 

[scout]

Out of all those teams, San Diego is the one that scares me. I would love to see them go to Indy and beat them, tho, that might mean we play them afterwards. Hopefully, we learned something from this Chicago game, like smashmouth football will cover some weaknesses.

 

[RyanTheColtsFan]

How are the Colts peaking early? Have you WATCHED their games? I don't think they've played an A+ game yet.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

1) Pats need to win out. We can't afford another conference loss at this point.

2) Baltimore needs TWO losses down the stretch. They are all AFC games, and if we win out we'll be a game ahead. They go to Cincy (Thursday), KC and Pittsburgh - it could very well happen.

3) San Diego needs to lose at Buffalo or vs. Denver (preferably both, but unlikely). They would have 3 AFC losses (like us), plus this would pull us even in the 'common games' tiebreaker (CIN, DEN, BUF, TEN). The next tiebreaker is strength of victory, and we have a huge lead over SD thanks to yesterday's win.

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If we don't get the #2 seed, I'd prefer the Ravens get the bye and NE be #3. We should manage at home vs. the #6 seed, plus I'd prefer the team travel down to Ballamore rather than cross-country to San Diego. The Ravens are a better matchup for us. Also, it would give us a chance to host the AFC title game should Indy falter against SD (very possible).

#1 is a must. #2 could happen, especially with Cincy starting to rebound and KC playing as well as they have lately. #3 is tough, but anything could happen.

Winning out will be an achievement, though. Upcoming games at Miami and Jacksonville will not be cakewalks, but I really think the Pats will play well in those games. The game in Tennessee should be a win, but the Titans put up a good fight (think 2000 Pats) and taking them lightly will be deadly.

If the Pats blow a game to either Detroit or Houston, they cannot be taken seriously this year. I'd be shocked and extremely disappointed if this happens, especially after supposedly learning their lesson vs. the Jets.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Haterproof]

I really think we can and will get the the 2nd bye.We control our own destiny.All we have to do is win out and not worry about Baltimore or San Diego.13 -3 should be enuff for the #2 seed.

 

[Jacky Roberts]

1) Pats need to win out. We can't afford another conference loss at this point.

2) Baltimore needs TWO losses down the stretch. They are all AFC games, and if we win out we'll be a game ahead. They go to Cincy (Thursday), KC and Pittsburgh - it could very well happen.

3) San Diego needs to lose at Buffalo or vs. Denver (preferably both, but unlikely). They would have 3 AFC losses (like us), plus this would pull us even in the 'common games' tiebreaker (CIN, DEN, BUF, TEN). The next tiebreaker is strength of victory, and we have a huge lead over SD thanks to yesterday's win.

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If we don't get the #2 seed, I'd prefer the Ravens get the bye and NE be #3. We should manage at home vs. the #6 seed, plus I'd prefer the team travel down to Ballamore rather than cross-country to San Diego. The Ravens are a better matchup for us. Also, it would give us a chance to host the AFC title game should Indy falter against SD (very possible).

IF the Pats dont get the bye, I want them to the playoffs to play out this way:

1.) Indy
2.) SD
3.) NE
4.) Baltimore
5.) Denver
6.) Kansas City

Let Denver/Baltimore go to Indy while the Pats go to SD. Playing Shottenhiemer in the playoffs is like getting a bye in itself.

 

[Pats726]

IF the Pats dont get the bye, I want them to the playoffs to play out this way:

1.) Indy
2.) SD
3.) NE
4.) Baltimore
5.) Denver
6.) Kansas City

Let Denver/Baltimore go to Indy while the Pats go to SD. Playing Shottenhiemer in the playoffs is like getting a bye in itself.

I agree...3rd seed is most importnat if a BYE can't be reached....4th seed is NOT good because that will mean Denver most likely and even though it is here..NOT good. I agree Balt/KC playing Indy may knock the Colts for a loop..and make another home game possible. I'm not as worried about SD..remember how the Jets almost beat them a few years ago?? KC-here...SD/Balt..there..and maybe a home ga,e if the Colts go down. Glad you are back on the bandwagon.

 

[Haterproof]

IF the Pats dont get the bye, I want them to the playoffs to play out this way:

1.) Indy
2.) SD
3.) NE
4.) Baltimore
5.) Denver
6.) Kansas City

Let Denver/Baltimore go to Indy while the Pats go to SD. Playing Shottenhiemer in the playoffs is like getting a bye in itself.

Be nice,Chargers fans are some of the coolest fans out there.

 

[Pats726]

But Shotty has never been a GOOD playoff coach...sorry it's reality..

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

I rather go to San Diego rather than Baltimore.. But Baltimore seems to have a softer schedule.. Baltimore could lose 2, starting thur with the Bengals.. I think we have 3 gimmie games, Det, Hou, and Tenn.. Jax and Miami will be tough... Still seeing us run the table and will be the number 3 seed..

 

[Ring 6]

I think we are going to win out.
Equally as important is that we solve the turnover problem as we do it.
If this team wins the final 5, and can have 5 or fewer turnovers while doing it, seeding wont matter, we are winning the SB. Health aside, nothing else needs to be improved other than the turnover problem and we will not lose in the playoffs.

#2 seed is fine. Indy in January is the same team (at least against us) in NE, Indy, or on the moon.

 

[Haterproof]

#2 seed is fine. Indy in January is the same team (at least against us) in NE, Indy, or on the moon.[/QUOTE]

I couldn't agree with you more.Indy will choke again as usual.

 

[RyanTheColtsFan]

#2 seed is fine. Indy in January is the same team (at least against us) in NE, Indy, or on the moon.

I couldn't agree with you more.Indy will choke again as usual.[/QUOTE]

Its hard to take anything you homers say seriously. First Denver was gunna beat the Colts... then you guys... blah blah blah.

 

[Ring 6]

I couldn't agree with you more.Indy will choke again as usual.

Its hard to take anything you homers say seriously. First Denver was gunna beat the Colts... then you guys... blah blah blah.[/QUOTE]

We are talking about the playoffs.
Do you disagree that the Colts have been an incompetant playoff team?
They were no worse, and in many ways better in those regular seasons than this one.

Truth is, teams need to learn how to win, and winning in the post season is no different.
The Pats 3 losses this year to me shwed they didnt yet know how to win as a team. I wasnt concerned because the roster is full of players who know how to win in the most crucial circumstances, so the ability would come, as this years version grew as a team. I have no doubt that the core of the team turns that into knowing how to win in the playoffs, because they have been there and done it.
The Colts key players have a history of coming up small when it matters most. That has to worry you, regular season record aside.

 

[RyanTheColtsFan]

Its hard to take anything you homers say seriously. First Denver was gunna beat the Colts... then you guys... blah blah blah.

We are talking about the playoffs.
Do you disagree that the Colts have been an incompetant playoff team?
They were no worse, and in many ways better in those regular seasons than this one.

Truth is, teams need to learn how to win, and winning in the post season is no different.
The Pats 3 losses this year to me shwed they didnt yet know how to win as a team. I wasnt concerned because the roster is full of players who know how to win in the most crucial circumstances, so the ability would come, as this years version grew as a team. I have no doubt that the core of the team turns that into knowing how to win in the playoffs, because they have been there and done it.
The Colts key players have a history of coming up small when it matters most. That has to worry you, regular season record aside.[/QUOTE]

I dont think the entire Colts team has a whole comes up small in the playoffs. Marvin Harrison? CHECK. Peyton Manning? CHECK. Peyton Manning the offensive coordinator? CHECK. Tony Dungy? CHECK.

I think Joe Addai will have a huge impact come playoff time. Something about this guy intrigues me. Dont get me wrong, I loved Edge. But I dont think he cared whether he won or lost in January as long as his check was present on Fridays.

Why cant this be the year they finally pull it together?

 

[Brady-To-Branch]

The Pats threw away the bye when they lost to the Jets at home.