This was the first thought I had after the results from last weekend.
If the Texans win, then we have to assume that the bye is out of reach with Broncos playing the Chiefs. That would also mean that finishing on the 3rd seed would mean playing the Broncos on the divisional round.
I would much rather have the Broncos on the Conference finals, because that would give us 1 extra week to heal before we face them. I think that 1 week could be a difference maker.
Also, the wildcard game against the Colts is more favourable IMO than a game against the Bengals. We have lost to 49ers, Ravens, Seahawks and Cardinals, from which only the Ravens have a suspect defense (although they were much healthier when they faced us than they are now). So I would much rather play against the Colts good offense and suspect defense, than the Bengals stout defense and slightly above par offense.
So if the Texans win, I would like to see both TEs, Welker and Lloyd receive as few snaps as possible (more playing time for backups, a lot of rotation among the starters, no hurry-up, slow drives using up as much clock as possible.. etc.). Also on defense, Wilfork, Jones, Mayo, Spikes, Talib and Dennard need as much rest as possible (Wilfork because of reducing his possible fatigue, others because of health issues).
HOWEVER, I would not sit Brady, because he needs to keep his rhythm going. History has shown us that sitting starting QB's in week 17 doesn't usually translate to playoff success. We don't want to increase the risk of Brady having a slow start, because that is the biggest issue besides health in our offense right now.
