Potential opponents in the playoffs

[PatsFanSince74]

absolutely sucks Bal won last night.

Agree 110%, but that and $3.00 will get us an overpriced Latte at Starbucks.

 

[mayoclinic]

That's what scares me, the Ravens just seem destined for big things this year. The way they eek out some of these wins is ridiculous, and especially when you factor in the officiating and how just about every close call goes their way. The mystique of playing in Baltimore is somewhat intimidating I have to admit, they have always played us tough there even when they're team wasn't good (2007). And again, the officials worry me alot.

I am obviously frustrated too at the chances of a bye looking more slim with each passing week and each game HOU/BAL pulls out of their ***. But if we are playing the level we need to, it hopefully won't matter at that point. I remember the gauntlet the 2004 team had to go through, one of the toughest ever, and they rolled right through those teams like they were 9-7 wild cards. Then you have the 2007 team, one of the historically great teams, draw a very favorable road that THEY should've rolled through, yet they couldn't get it done. I believe if it's meant to happen it will regardless of the road, bye would sure help though!

I don't worry much about teams like the Ravens or Falcons continuing to squeak out wins against relatively weak teams, with a lot of help from the refs. Baltimore only won because of a combination of inept San Diego tackling, a missed block in the back, and an extremely generous spot (even after the review). Houston only made it to overtime against Detroit because of not only the terrible missed runner down and stupid failure to review, but for not calling JJ Watt for roughing the passer - a dumb call because I don't think Watt did anything wrong, but one that they've consistently called all year on everyone else. Luck like that won't win you Super Bowls.

The Ravens just aren't that good a team. I give them credit for hanging in with all the injuries, but they aren't going to get 6 sacks against Brady. The Pats' offense is much better than it was earlier in the season, when Brady was still getting comfortable with some of his new weapons. The running game and the integration of Lloyd and Edelman will open up a ton of opportunities. And Torry Smith won't have nearly as easy a time taking the top of our defense. Contain Ray Rice, and I don't see Baltimore being able to stay close with us, even at home.

 

[Dagg]

Yeah Balt and Hou have been squeaking by the last few weeks and its doesnt bode well for us having those close ones fall their way.

Im sorry but Indy and Viking are 2 teams who are slightly overrated and netiher IMO stands a chance of beating Houston. Esp Indy who has made a living beating the likes of Buf, Miami, Cle, Jvile, Tenn the only quality win was GB (any given sunday type win) the week their coach went into the hospital.

Now Bal I can see dropping a few but that h2h over us is really big.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I don't worry much about teams like the Ravens or Falcons continuing to squeak out wins against relatively weak teams, with a lot of help from the refs. Baltimore only won because of a combination of inept San Diego tackling, a missed block in the back, and an extremely generous spot (even after the review). Houston only made it to overtime against Detroit because of not only the terrible missed runner down and stupid failure to review, but for not calling JJ Watt for roughing the passer - a dumb call because I don't think Watt did anything wrong, but one that they've consistently called all year on everyone else. Luck like that won't win you Super Bowls.

The Ravens just aren't that good a team. I give them credit for hanging in with all the injuries, but they aren't going to get 6 sacks against Brady. The Pats' offense is much better than it was earlier in the season, when Brady was still getting comfortable with some of his new weapons. The running game and the integration of Lloyd and Edelman will open up a ton of opportunities. And Torry Smith won't have nearly as easy a time taking the top of our defense. Contain Ray Rice, and I don't see Baltimore being able to stay close with us, even at home.

I won't argue that we should be confident in that matchup, but the past still haunts me. No game (especially games in Bmore) has ever been easy against that team post 2004, even in 2007 when we were a juggernaut and they were a losing team. We are a better team now than the first meeting this year and they may be worse but I'm still nervous if we have to go into Baltimore. Even in that week 3 matchup, we clearly looked to be the superior team but they took advantage of every break they got and made it a game. It's got to be playing in the players' heads too when you outplay someone like that and still lose.

 

[mayoclinic]

I won't argue that we should be confident in that matchup, but the past still haunts me. No game (especially games in Bmore) has ever been easy against that team post 2004, even in 2007 when we were a juggernaut and they were a losing team. We are a better team now than the first meeting this year and they may be worse but I'm still nervous if we have to go into Baltimore. Even in that week 3 matchup, we clearly looked to be the superior team but they took advantage of every break they got and made it a game. It's got to be playing in the players' heads too when you outplay someone like that and still lose.

I guess you worry more about the past and the player's heads than I do. I expect that if the Pats do have to play the Ravens in Baltimore, they will be ready, hungry and eager to make up for the earlier loss.

The Pats are going to have to play some good teams to win the SB. No way around it. No one's going to lay down for us. But I have confidence that if this team continues to improve and can bring the intensity and focus, it can take on anyone, anywhere.

 

[mayoclinic]

I won't argue that we should be confident in that matchup, but the past still haunts me. No game (especially games in Bmore) has ever been easy against that team post 2004, even in 2007 when we were a juggernaut and they were a losing team. We are a better team now than the first meeting this year and they may be worse but I'm still nervous if we have to go into Baltimore. Even in that week 3 matchup, we clearly looked to be the superior team but they took advantage of every break they got and made it a game. It's got to be playing in the players' heads too when you outplay someone like that and still lose.

I guess you worry more about the past and the player's heads than I do. I expect that if the Pats do have to play the Ravens in Baltimore, they will be ready, hungry and eager to make up for the earlier loss.

The Pats are going to have to play some good teams to win the SB. No way around it. No one's going to lay down for us. But I have confidence that if this team continues to improve and can bring the intensity and focus, it can take on anyone, anywhere.

BTW, remember 2004? Pats had their winning streak stopped by the Steelers in Pittsburgh 34-20, a loss which cost us the #1 seed in the playoffs. Had to go back to Pittsburgh for the AFCCG. How did that one end? 41-27 romp for the Pats. Not to mention going on the road to Pittsburgh for the 2001 AFCCG (didn't play them during the regular season that year). The Pats won't have any problems going on the road into the den of an AFC North powerhouse.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

BTW, remember 2004? Pats had their winning streak stopped by the Steelers in Pittsburgh 34-20, a loss which cost us the #1 seed in the playoffs. Had to go back to Pittsburgh for the AFCCG. How did that one end? 41-27 romp for the Pats. Not to mention going on the road to Pittsburgh for the 2001 AFCCG (didn't play them during the regular season that year). The Pats won't have any problems going on the road into the den of an AFC North powerhouse.

Yes but the Steelers have always been a favorable matchup for Brady outside of a couple Halloween games. Ravens have always played us tough. Like I said, head to head I think we should beat these guys easily but it's just something about that team that makes every game with them a battle. Hopefully with Ray gone that might change. And overall they have been very very good at home, I don't think they've lost in that building for a couple years now (they haven't lost there this year and pretty sure they didn't lose a home game last year).

 

[1960Pats]

There is a lot of football to be played left this season, but this is just future thoughts on the rest of the season. What team do you think has the best chance to beat NE in the playoffs (matches up well)? Not saying that it's going to happen. For me, I would think Baltimore just b/c of how tough this team always plays the Patriots and it would be hard also to go on the road in front of that crowd, even though they almost lost that game.

Post your thoughts.

I think the Pats would cruise by the Ravens.

I still think that Houston is the best team, but I'm going with Denver as the team to beat. By the time the playoffs roll around the Manning love fest will be in full bloom, from the Commish on down. P6 will have led them single handed to ten straight wins and will get to beat his brother Eli in the SB and become the greatest QB ever. He'll then be on the cover of Time as man of the year.

 

[mayoclinic]

Yes but the Steelers have always been a favorable matchup for Brady outside of a couple Halloween games. Ravens have always played us tough. Like I said, head to head I think we should beat these guys easily but it's just something about that team that makes every game with them a battle. Hopefully with Ray gone that might change. And overall they have been very very good at home, I don't think they've lost in that building for a couple years now (they haven't lost there this year and pretty sure they didn't lose a home game last year).

Well, I guess we're just doomed then. Or we'd better hope for luck that Baltimore loses 2 more games and we don't have to face them on the road. Too bad ... this was starting to look like it could have been a special team. But all that karma, man, that's just too much.

 

[BadMoFo]

I don't mind doing this the hard way by facing a team on the road. This team needs to be toughened up if we want any chance of a championship, hopefully the Texans and 49ers game and a road playoff game can do that.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Well, I guess we're just doomed then. Or we'd better hope for luck that Baltimore loses 2 more games and we don't have to face them on the road. Too bad ... this was starting to look like it could have been a special team. But all that karma, man, that's just too much.

I never said any of that. If we draw them, we should beat the Ravens wherever it is but at the rate they have been pulling things out their *** this year especially at home, it's going to be difficult.

 

[fnordcircle]

Both Baltimore and Houston are struggling to win games they should win outright.

Meanwhile we're starting to really come together.

I have no doubt we'll be 13-3 and that 13-3 will net us a bye.

Our real competition to get to the SB won't be Houston or Baltimore, it will be Denver in the AFCCG because like us, they are getting stronger as the season goes on.

 

[Coog548]

I can see the Patriots getting #2 seed. The ravens are going to slow down with wins and play many close games. The rest of the season is going to be hard for them. In the playoffs clearly no one wants to see Peyton showing up. Those game will never be a cake walk and he has the ability to take over games single handily. Personal I would rather play Houston at any point before we see Peyton.

 

[supafly]

As mayoclinic pointed out, no matter who we play it's not going to be easy.

That said, if this team continues to win, we will have an excellent shot at a bye. It's just as simple as that, there's no need to be looking that far ahead. Winning puts everyone else at a disadvantage eventually, unless they can also run the table or only lose one game.

Even though the games will obviously be tough, it's certainly increases the odds of only having to win one game (at home) to get to the AFCCG. Only having to win 2 is much better than having to win 3. I don't believe that these close losses that DET and SD had this week will have any bearing on the big picture, since it's still too early yet.

Obviously, the Dec.10th matchup vs HOU will be big for potential seeding issues, in the meantime we will continue to root for the Pats and everything else will fall into place. It always does.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

4th and FREAKIN' 29 The way the Ravens and Texans are squeaking and squirming out astounding victories, its become clear that the Pats are going to have to win this superbowl the old-fashioned way......by winning 4 games. The Pats are likely to end up with a 12-4 or 13-3 record and not get a bye. The Ravens and Texans have been handed so many wins this season it just seems destined.

You can cry all you want about the Pats getting screwed because the Ravens and Texans are getting lucky,but if the Pats had taken care of business against Arizona with that very makeable FG and held the lead against Seattle we wouldn't have had to worry about what those 2 teams are doing.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

As mayoclinic pointed out, no matter who we play it's not going to be easy.

That said, if this team continues to win, we will have an excellent shot at a bye. It's just as simple as that, there's no need to be looking that far ahead. Winning puts everyone else at a disadvantage eventually, unless they can also run the table or only lose one game.

Even though the games will obviously be tough, it's certainly increases the odds of only having to win one game (at home) to get to the AFCCG. Only having to win 2 is much better than having to win 3. I don't believe that these close losses that DET and SD had this week will have any bearing on the big picture, since it's still too early yet.

Obviously, the Dec.10th matchup vs HOU will be big for potential seeding issues, in the meantime we will continue to root for the Pats and everything else will fall into place. It always does.

I really hope the team isn't caught napping in Miami while looking ahead to a possible seeding opportunity a week later against Houston.

Some here laugh about trap games but the Pats always struggle in Miami and this game is one they better take serious and play one game at a time.

The game at Miami has potential to be just as tough as the two at home against Houston and SF

 

[pherein]

I don't know why we're talking about the Saints and playoffs at all right now.

But I agree, 49ers/Giants are the most balanced NFC teams. GB has already lost to both. The Bears have lost convincingly to SF, Green Bay and Houston.

Pats and Texans look like the most balanced AFC teams right now. Those are my best guess for a "Final 4", depending on how the brackets fall.

Yep , I agree. Ill still hope for the Saints to make it, and the defense is actually turning around to a #12-20 defense. Which would be just fine, if the offense had stability, but it doesn't .
Without SP their are only flashes of the consistent point grinding machine of the past. Play calling is very usual, non adaptive, and sometimes head scratching.
N.O. could sneak in, but I don't think they are anything to worry about. Even if we do beat the Giants and Falcons again. The fear of god, adaptive strategy, mechanical production, and creative chess match play calling is not on our sidelines. We are just winning games with talent, and losing because of it to.
Saints are a coach less players team, and thats not going to go far, I believe.

I can see Vikings disappearing. Their schedule is to tough, and probably on get 2 wins. I don't see the Redskins being in it either. We can knock the Bucs and cowboys out of it, so if the Seahawks lose. Saints could slip in.
But the Packers, Bears, or Giants is who we would have to face.
We can't beat the Bears or Packers in that weather without SP.
Giants maybe, but just because we are their kryptonite.

IF we are lucky to get them and move on its going to be the Falcons
Probably the only team we can beat in the playoffs, even without a coach,lol.
..and then it becomes a mute point because we cant beat anyone else without SP.

Best case is a Saints vs 49ers rematch because of weather, and then what offense will show up ?
Even if by some miracle we beat them the AFC team will be the Patriots,Broncos, or Texans I think. We cant beat those teams. They are to well coached.

Point is their is no logically good ending for the Saints, its all luck, and in the end that doesn't pan out so well, so we should be removed from any discussion. I agree, LOL, sorry for going the long route.

 

[supafly]

I really hope the team isn't caught napping in Miami while looking ahead to a possible seeding opportunity a week later against Houston.

Some here laugh about trap games but the Pats always struggle in Miami and this game is one they better take serious and play one game at a time.

The game at Miami has potential to be just as tough as the two at home against Houston and SF

I hear that. No laughing coming from this guy. One game at a time, like you said, nothing more can be done. No sense worrying about preparation for HOU because they'll have a full 8 days to do that after Sunday's game down in Florida.

OT--but it looks like your prediction RE:Cincy's chances deserves a lot more credibility than I personally originally gave it credit for, so props on that.

 

[supafly]

Yep , I agree. Ill still hope for the Saints to make it, and the defense is actually turning around to a #12-20 defense. Which would be just fine, if the offense had stability, but it doesn't .
Without SP their are only flashes of the consistent point grinding machine of the past. Play calling is very usual, non adaptive, and sometimes head scratching.
N.O. could sneak in, but I don't think they are anything to worry about. Even if we do beat the Giants and Falcons again. The fear of god, adaptive strategy, mechanical production, and creative chess match play calling is not on our sidelines. We are just winning games with talent, and losing because of it to.
Saints are a coach less players team, and thats not going to go far, I believe.

I can see Vikings disappearing. Their schedule is to tough, and probably on get 2 wins. I don't see the Redskins being in it either. We can knock the Bucs and cowboys out of it, so if the Seahawks lose. Saints could slip in.
But the Packers, Bears, or Giants is who we would have to face.
We can't beat the Bears or Packers in that weather without SP.
Giants maybe, but just because we are their kryptonite.

IF we are lucky to get them and move on its going to be the Falcons
Probably the only team we can beat in the playoffs, even without a coach,lol.
..and then it becomes a mute point because we cant beat anyone else without SP.

Best case is a Saints vs 49ers rematch because of weather, and then what offense will show up ?
Even if by some miracle we beat them the AFC team will be the Patriots,Broncos, or Texans I think. We cant beat those teams. They are to well coached.

Point is their is no logically good ending for the Saints, its all luck, and in the end that doesn't pan out so well, so we should be removed from any discussion. I agree, LOL, sorry for going the long route.

Saints can very well make a WC spot. Unfortunately they got off to a bad start, but always have the capacity to play with just about anyone. They actually were looking very good in that SF game for awhile, and SF may be the toughest team in the league (arguably).

It's not over until they are eliminated, so if they win on Thursday night it'll be a whole different attitude all over again at 6-6.

 

[PatsFan2]

IDK, nothing is sealed yet. Every team in contention for each division in the AFC still have some potential losses by good to very good teams.

The Texans still have the Colts twice, the Pats, and the Vikes. Both the Colts and Vikes are still in contention for Wild Cards and could be tough outs for a team currently struggling to beat bad teams. If the Texans continue to play like they have the last month, I can see two or three more losses before the end of the season.

The Ravens' final schedule is very tough. They have the Broncos, Steelers (won't be all that tough if Roethlisberger isn't back), Redskins, Giants, and Bengals. All those teams are either definitely playoff bound or in contention.

The Broncos still have the Ravens and Bucs who are both still in playoff contention.

The Pats still have Miami twice, Houston, and the 49ers. All are in playoff contention and Houston and the 49ers have two of the best records in the NFL.

The Pats basically have to win out or only lose one more game to even dream of a bye, but all the top teams in the AFC have potential losses on their horizon. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats and Broncos have the first round bye when everything is said and done.

I am going to on record and say Peyton and the Broncos beat the Ravens...atleast we know we can depend on Peyton unlike others.