We're on to Buffalo

[ashley]

I'm curious to see what the injury report looks like this week. I have not been too impressed with Buffalo when I have watched them this year though, but I'm sure this will be their Super Bowl. I would think we should be able to handle them by at least 10 points.

 

[JMC00]

Hopefully we don't get Eagle/Fouts doing yet another game for the Pats.

Nantz and Romo are doing that game next week. As it stands it's a #2 vs #6 seed match and the only game CBS has next week with both teams above .500

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Don't use that game... Brady was out, Belichick and McDaniels were game planning for Garoppolo to play that game and reportedly day of the game he told him he didn't feel like he could play. So Brissett with a throwing hand injury that required immediate surgery played.

There are always explanations for losses, often, as in the example you mention, reasonable explanations. But the reality is that running this particular table with the Steelers and four Division Games is going to be tough.

So, I'll just stick with what I said. I'll be very happy with 13--3 however they get there.

 

[luuked]

So, I'll just stick with what I said. I'll be very happy with 13--3 however they get there.

The only way 13-3 will make anyone happy is if the loss is not against Pittsburgh. Winning there means we can lose one more game while still keeping HFA no matter what.

 

[SalemPats]

We could score 50 against them. Tyrod might be the worst QB we have played all season.

 

[PatsDeb]

Buffalo always plays us tough and going into Kansas City and getting a win, after a week where your dumbass coach benched your starting QB for a rookie with disasterous results and then had to reverse course, is no joke. This is going to be a tough game. I think the Pats will win, but it will be hard-fought. Looking forward to it!

 

[sb1]

Everybody seems to be focusing on the Steelers', but the last year that the Pats ran the table in the AFCE was 2012.
They lost two (meaningful) games in 2013.
In 2014 and 2015, they lost twice, but the second loss each season was a meaningless game in Week 17.
One of their two losses last year was to Buffalo in Week 4.

So, obviously they still win SB's when they lose Division games, but, personally, I think that the four remaining Division games this year, viewed together, pose as much, or even more, of a risk of another L as the Pittsburgh game.

Division games are unpredictable and always difficult, especially when the other team has something to play for, as the Bills do. I'll be very happy if the Pats end up 13--3.

Totally agree re Division rivals. On the flip side of that you have the Steelers playing Bal and Cin next, their own division rivals. Those two teams are not very good but definitely no love lost between them and Pit. Wouldn't be that surprised to see an upset and perhaps an injury or two.

 

[sb1]

Everybody seems to be focusing on the Steelers', but the last year that the Pats ran the table in the AFCE was 2012.
They lost two (meaningful) games in 2013.
In 2014 and 2015, they lost twice, but the second loss each season was a meaningless game in Week 17.
One of their two losses last year was to Buffalo in Week 4.

So, obviously they still win SB's when they lose Division games, but, personally, I think that the four remaining Division games this year, viewed together, pose as much, or even more, of a risk of another L as the Pittsburgh game.

Division games are unpredictable and always difficult, especially when the other team has something to play for, as the Bills do. I'll be very happy if the Pats end up 13--3.

Totally agree re Division rivals. On the flip side of that you have the Steelers playing Bal and Cin next, their own division rivals. Those two teams are not very good but definitely no love lost between them and Pit. Wouldn't be that surprised to see an upset and perhaps an injury or two.

 

[Hammer of Thor]

Waddle update from Howe:

 

[patchick]

''A desperate team fighting for...'' is probably the biggest fallacy in professional sports.

I agree, especially since teams generally become "desperate" via a lot of losing.

But -- these Bills aren't "desperate." As the seedings stand right now, they're a playoff team. I'd call them "motivated," with a growing seed of confidence.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

The only way 13-3 will make anyone happy is if the loss is not against Pittsburgh. Winning there means we can lose one more game while still keeping HFA no matter what.

Those of us who follow the game closely actually do understand that, if the Steelers win all their remaining games except for the one against the Patriots and if the Patriots lose just one of the remaining Division games, while beating the Steelers, the Pats will get Home Field all the way. Thanks for the reminder, though.

But that's just one of multiple scenarios for the rest of the season and, maybe I've been following the NFL too long, but there are way too many assumptions in that scenario for me, especially when four Division games are involved.

The Steelers were very fortunate to beat a diminished Packers team last night. In addition to the Pats, they have Division Games left against the Ravens and @ the Bungles, neither of which like to lose to their hated rival. I doubt Tomlin has them in the "W" column, even if they "should" win them. They also have a game @ a Houston team that will be playing for pride before a national audience on Christmas Day after a disappointing season. If you want to put their Cleveland game in the W column, that's fine by me. But, anything can happen.

So, I'll still be happy to take my chances with 13--3, no matter how it comes about. I'll even be completely heretical vs. the CW and go so far as to say that 12--4 might get the job done, though that gets me into "nervous" territory.

 

[Mack Herron]

Good news, but still could miss a game or 2. Hoping T. Flowers will be able to go next week.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Totally agree re Division rivals. On the flip side of that you have the Steelers playing Bal and Cin next, their own division rivals. Those two teams are not very good but definitely no love lost between them and Pit. Wouldn't be that surprised to see an upset and perhaps an injury or two.

Absolutely, 100% correct. There are about half a dozen feasible scenarios as to how the season could play out for the top of the AFC.

 

[luuked]

The Steelers were very fortunate to beat a diminished Packers team last night. In addition to the Pats, they have Division Games left against the Ravens and @ the Bungles, neither of which like to lose to their hated rival. I doubt Tomlin has them in the "W" column, even if they "should" win them. They also have a game @ a Houston team that will be playing for pride before a national audience on Christmas Day after a disappointing season. If you want to put their Cleveland game in the W column, that's fine by me. But, anything can happen.

None of this means anything at all.

Absolutely, 100% correct. There are about half a dozen feasible scenarios as to how the season could play out for the top of the AFC.

Not really. We will either get top seed or second seed those are the only realistic scenarios. Dont see why we need to be pointlessly humble about anything here.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

None of this means anything at all.



Not really. We will either get top seed or second seed those are the only realistic scenarios. Dont see why we need to be pointlessly humble about anything here.

If you say so...

 

[Ring 6]

I’d love it if they just won them all. It’s not realistic to expect it with the kind of schedule but not going to be shocked if they do run the table. If they wind up 13-3, how could I complain about that when folks were saying the season was over at 2-2?

I’ll still complain probably though... even if they win them all, I’ll find a way to gripe about Gilmore or Allen. Lol

The schedule IS a reason to expect it. 4 cupcakes and the Steelers.

 

[Soliel]

I say they beat all these guys just because that’s what usually happens. I wouldn’t mind 13-3 but 14-2 has a more solid sound to it

 

[p8ryts]

The schedule IS a reason to expect it. 4 cupcakes and the Steelers.

We need to respect the opponent. We frequently lose in Miami and Buffalo is not a pushover. Stuff happens, many injuries. I hated the 19-0 talk, I hate dismissing future opponents.

People badmouthing McDermott for the QB change but Taylor had not played well for 2 games, the other QB impressed in practice and the coach anticipated a different result . He did what he thought best.

 

[Pats2000]

You have to be impressed with how they played this week.

After last week they had every reason to lay down and throw their hands up. KC was absolutely desperate for this win. Nothing was easy for them to do that day but they gutted out a tough win against KC @ KC.

Taylor is the kind of QB that gives the Pats trouble. His runs and movement keeps drives alive. Their D has had some let downs but also some solid games. They have a very good defensive passer rating and have only allowed 9 passing TDs all year. They are playing for a WC and will be at home. They have the tools to give Brady a hard time.

We'll see what happens. I think this will be a harder test than the Dolphins. They like to get in rock fights (and not in a dirty way). I expect the Pats to just out execute them but this to me is a legit winning team. Take away last week which was a coach nearly intentionally sinking his team and they are 6-4

I don't want to oversell them but I think the Pats could have a fairly tough game even with solid execution.

Maybe they will Name Peterson the starter and we can up our defensive interception ratio...

 

[FortressX]

I still wouldn't wanna run the table. I don't like winning streaks going into the playoffs. It does help that teams like the chiefs and jaguars are losing.

Michael Gee is in the house !
Hows things ?


I am glad to see Romo doing the game btw.