The New England Patriots finished the 2014 season with a 12-4 record, earning the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye.
With the Pats holding the top spot in the conference, they can only play three teams in the Divisional Round. Their possible opponents are the Indianapolis Colts (fourth seed), Cincinnati Bengals (fifth seed) or Baltimore Ravens (sixth seed).
Obviously, there are pros and cons playing any of these teams. New England's next game is scheduled for Jan. 10 at 4:35 EST at Gillette Stadium. Here's a few thoughts on each team the Patriots could face in the first round. --
Colts -- The Patriots traveled to Indianapolis on Nov. 16, defeating them 42-20 behind a 201-yard rushing performance by Jonas Gray. New England forced the Colts to pass and dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
If the Pats were to see the Colts again, they could use a similar game plan. Despite a talented signal-caller for Indy, they're still a much weaker team than some of the others in the AFC playoff hunt.
Bengals -- After an embarrassing Monday Night Football loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in week four, the Patriots returned home in week five to defeat the Bengals 43-17.
While Cincinnati can challenge an opponent on both sides of the ball, the defense is stout in the front seven. New England's ability to protect Tom Brady would be key, but all eyes would be on Andy Dalton to see if he could finally perform in the postseason.
Ravens -- Unlike the Colts and Bengals, the Ravens have not faced the Patriots in 2014. While Baltimore is a much different team than in year's past, they still present fears from tough games a few seasons ago.
With a transformed defense and a balanced offense, the Ravens would be no easy out. Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh have led the team to success in recent years. While the other two team's New England could play might be better overall teams, the Ravens have more experience at this point in the season.
Overall -- No matter who the Patriots play, there's no excuse for this team. New England is in good shape health wise, are playing at home and have been one of the best team's in the NFL for the majority of the year.
The Colts might be the team with the most favorable match-up. Yes, Andrew Luck is a talented young QB for Indy, but the offense is one-sided and the Patriots defense had success against them earlier this season.
Either way, New England has about two weeks to rest up and prepare for the most critical juncture of the season. Brady and Bill Belichick have their eye on a fourth Lombardi Trophy, we'll see if the team can finish strong down the stretch.
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