Likelihood of Pats Opponent and Path to Victory

[weswelker#83]

Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

This is a scenario I'm sure most New England fans out there would love to avoid as the Steelers beat up the Patriots back in Week 8, 25-17.

However, if the Steelers beat the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans knock off the Cincinnati Bengals, Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers would have to pay a visit to Gillette Stadium the following Saturday.

NFL Playoff Scenarios: Analyzing the New England Patriots' Possible Opponents | Bleacher Report



I think we have like 65% to get scenario 2

 

[RodThePat]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Cincy isn't losing to the Texans. And even if we do get the Steelers, if we can't beat Pittsburgh at home, with a hobbled Roethlisberger and without Mendenhall, we shouldn't be in contention for the SuperBowl anyway.

 

[SONS_OF_BELICHICK]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

I could see the steelers coming here. The bungals cant stop the run and ...the Texans have a running attack...and good defense. I hope we play the bungals.....we should be prepared....

 

[patsfan-1982]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

beat the steelers then beat the ravens in the AFCCG and beat the Giants in the SB now thats what i would love to see

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

If you can't beat a team that is ranked 22nd in scoring and 21st in turnovers, you have zero business being in the Super Bowl.

 

[lillloyd]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Given the fact that BB will be ready with a counter to our surprise D strategy from the regular season, frankly I don't know how much I'd like our chances for a second game with the Pats, even with a healthier team.

But lost in the news about Mendy was that we also lost our nickel and dime DBs in the Cleveland game. We just have a lot of guys banged up in areas where we don't have much depth. We may be able to get by Denver with that, but against NE that will be a very tall order.

*If* we make it past Denver--and I don't think that's the gimme that a lot of people are making it out to be--and end up playing at your place, I think it could be a very rough game.

 

[RodThePat]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Given the fact that BB will be ready with a counter to our surprise D strategy from the regular season, frankly I don't know how much I'd like our chances for a second game with the Pats, even with a healthier team.

But lost in the news about Mendy was that we also lost our nickel and dime DBs in the Cleveland game. We just have a lot of guys banged up in areas where we don't have much depth. We may be able to get by Denver with that, but against NE that will be a very tall order.

*If* we make it past Denver--and I don't think that's the gimme that a lot of people are making it out to be--and end up playing at your place, I think it could be a very rough game.

Dude, seriously. Denver won't even give you guys a game. The only things Denver can do offensively are precisely what Pittsburgh's defense is capable of completely shutting down. You'll be fine.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Dude, seriously. Denver won't even give you guys a game. The only things Denver can do offensively are precisely what Pittsburgh's defense is capable of completely shutting down. You'll be fine.

I agree. Pitt will get by DEN.

With Pitt as banged up as they are, not sure they have the kinda health you need to go to the next round.

CIN and HOU will be a good game. Both teams have issues. Not sure who will win to be honest.

Either way, things do seem to be rolling in the Pats favor...

 

[PatriotFan77]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

As much as I want to hold out hope, the Broncos have zero hope of beating Pitt. The wild card is Cincy/Hou. It's a pick em IMO.

 

[jmt57]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Scenario 1: Pittsburgh beats Denver and Cincinnati beats Houston
- Pats play Cincinnati

Scenario 2: Pittsburgh beats Denver and Houston beats Cincinnati
- Pats play Pittsburgh

Scenario 3: Denver beats Pittsburgh and Cincinnati beats Houston
- Pats play Cincinnati

Scenario 4: Denver beats Pittsburgh and Houston beats Cincinnati
- Pats play Denver

In my opinion the Pats are most likely going to be playing the Bengals.


For what it's worth Christopher Price and Mike Petraglia have been profiling potential playoff opponents:

It Is What It Is » Patriots Potential Playoff Opponents: Cincinnati Bengals

It Is What It Is » Patriots Potential Playoff Opponents: Pittsburgh Steelers

It Is What It Is » Patriots Potential Playoff Opponents: Houston Texans

It Is What It Is » Patriots Potential Playoff Opponents: Baltimore Ravens

 

[Maker's Muppet]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

I hope we get the Steelers. They talk a good game in the playoffs. Talk, talk, talk.

 

[Dutchmaster617]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Playoff Scenarios: Analyzing the New England Patriots' Possible Opponents | Bleacher Report



I think we have like 65% to get scenario 2

Am I the only one who after whipping BUF wants PIT in two weeks and then NYG 3 weeks later? Lets revenge all three losses, revenge 07 (somewhat) and take home the title in one 6 week run.

Though to be honest I don't see Houston having a chance in hell against anyone, they just made it because Peyton got hurt and Tennessee probably the better team out sucked them.

 

[RodThePat]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Am I the only one who after whipping BUF wants PIT in two weeks and then NYG 3 weeks later? Lets revenge all three losses, revenge 07 (somewhat) and take home the title in one 6 week run.

Though to be honest I don't see Houston having a chance in hell against anyone, they just made it because Peyton got hurt and Tennessee probably the better team out sucked them.

What? The Texans have arguably the most complete team in the AFC. They lost their three best players (Schaub, Williams and Johnson) and still got the number 3 seed. Had those guys not gotten hurt, they would pose as much of a threat as anyone in the playoffs.

 

[Maker's Muppet]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Am I the only one who after whipping BUF wants PIT in two weeks and then NYG 3 weeks later? Lets revenge all three losses, revenge 07 (somewhat) and take home the title in one 6 week run.

Though to be honest I don't see Houston having a chance in hell against anyone, they just made it because Peyton got hurt and Tennessee probably the better team out sucked them.

It's not going to be easy for a rookie QB on the road in the playoffs. He'll have some serious pass rushers flying at him too.

 

[PatriotFan77]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

What? The Texans have arguably the most complete team in the AFC. They lost their three best players (Schaub, Williams and Johnson) and still got the number 3 seed. Had those guys not gotten hurt, they would pose as much of a threat as anyone in the playoffs.

Arguably by whom? I would love to be involved in that argument. They got the #3 by default only.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

What? The Texans have arguably the most complete team in the AFC. They lost their three best players (Schaub, Williams and Johnson) and still got the number 3 seed. Had those guys not gotten hurt, they would pose as much of a threat as anyone in the playoffs.

If Delhomme plays like he did yesterday they will beat CIN.

If Delhomme plays like he did in his last year in CAR, they will lose.

 

[scout]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

beat the steelers then beat the ravens in the AFCCG and beat the Giants in the SB now thats what i would love to see

Given a choice, I would want the 49er's and no part of the Giants. Don't care about revenge and we do not match up against them well. I think that is obvious.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Given a choice, I would want the 49er's and no part of the Giants. Don't care about revenge and we do not match up against them well. I think that is obvious.

Why do the not match up well with them? During their worst stretch of the year, the Pats almost beat the Giants in Foxboro.

 

[RodThePat]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

Arguably by whom? I would love to be involved in that argument. They got the #3 by default only.

They have a much better offense than the Ravens, and a much better defense than the Patriots. They are also ahead of the Steelers in scoring by a fair margin, even while losing their starting QB, their backup QB, and a top 5 WR in the game for an extended period. Oh, and they lost one of the games' best pass rushers too. Had Schaub not gotten hurt, this team would be a serious threat come playoff time.

Really, we are talking about a team that, even with those key injuries, is top 10 in scoring offense and top 5 in scoring defense. I'm not saying they are the best team in the AFC, but it absolutely is arguable they are the most COMPLETE team in the conference, as they are significantly above average in both sides of the ball, and the other powers in the AFC can't make that same claim. There, just involved you in the argument, and anxiously await your response.

 

[Dutchmaster617]

Re: Scenario 2: Pittsburgh Steelers

What? The Texans have arguably the most complete team in the AFC. They lost their three best players (Schaub, Williams and Johnson) and still got the number 3 seed. Had those guys not gotten hurt, they would pose as much of a threat as anyone in the playoffs.

But they are hurt, just like Peyton Manning in Indy who would have won 10+ and the division (Lets not have another huge Indy has no talent debate as I disagree) so no ifs.

Either way Houston is toast (as well as DEN, and CIN)