AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

How does it look for the PATs with a 5-3 record?
( looking at division leaders only -
but there are other 4 win teams that could surprise)

Note: remaining games that have a significant chance of causing a loss in parentheses

Texans 6-1 ( Bears,PATs)
Ravens 5-2 ( Broncos, Giants, steelers x 1 )
Patriots 5-3 ( 49's, Texans, Fins x 1)
Broncos 4-3 ( Ravens, Chargers)

It looks like PATs almost have to win last 8 games to have a shot at
a bye.
Even then if Ravens only lose 1 game they get the bye over PATs
because tie breaker goes to Ravens since they beat the PATs.

Of course if Texans lose 2 games that would make it interesting.

Thoughts?

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

I think the Pats can be 12-4, possibly 11-5, and get the bye.

The Ravens are in trouble and I wouldn't even bet they win their division much less get a bye at this point. Their defense is a mess and they are going to have to rely on Joe Flacco to get them into the playoffs. I expect them to lose 3-4 more games the rest of the way.

The Pats have the tiebreaker with the Broncos and I don't see them going 9-0 the rest of the way. Wait until it gets cold and see how Manning plays.

It is still possible to get HOF with a 12-4 or 11-5 record. The Texans still have 9 more games and besides the Bears and Pats, they have the Vikes (5-3) and Colts twice (4-3). They are not elite teams, but teams good enough to beat anyone if the other team is off for that game.

It is too early to talk about first round byes. The AFC is weak and even in good years, it doesn't always take 13 wins to get a bye.

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

I'm hoping that's the case but their schedule is retardedly easy. The only team with a winning record is the Ravens who as you said are going to fade. Even if Manning struggles in the cold I can see them running the table. Tomorrow in Cincinnati its going to be low 50's with no wind so he's getting a weather pass on a game that could have been cold. Hopefully the Bengals coming off a bye and really needing this game show up in a big way.

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

Of course anything can happen but, if I were a betting man, I'd bet that the Texans and Broncos end up as the #1 and #2 seeds respectively.

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

An average team playing a bunch of average of less teams doesnt win 9 straight.

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

think they end up 11-5 with losses in miami and home vs houston on the bubble of a bye...denver will make a strong run..ravens will slip

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

Broncos = 4 seed at best

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

They're better than average and their schedule is really crap.

Cinn, Car, SD, KC (twice), Oak, TB, BAL CLE. The worst I can see them going is 7-2. If that was the Patriots schedule I would be shocked if they didn't run the table. The Pats were unlucky in getting the Ravens at the wrong time with the wrong refs.

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

Perhaps so, but that team is playing well right now and their sked is crazy easy from here on out. I can't imagine they are going to lose more than a couple of games the rest of the way. Likely just 1 (to the Ravens?). If so, the Pats can't afford to lose more than 1 remaining game. Possible? Yes, but the Pats remaining sked is MUCH more difficult.

Re: AFC playoff bye for PATs?
 

have you seen their schedule? Easy as pie