If the playoffs were to start today, the teams would be
AFC: Pats, Ravens, Steelers, Texans, Bills, Chiefs
NFC: Niners, Saints, Vikings, Packers, Seahawks, Cowboys
That means that of the last nine teams that Pats have played in the playoffs, only TWO would make the playoffs this year.
2017-18: Chargers, Chiefs, Rams
2016-17 Titans, Jaguars, Eagles
2015-16 Texans, Steelers, Falcons
The Chiefs and Texans are also barely in the playoffs, and could conceivably fall out in favor of a team the Pats haven't faced in the playoffs recently (Oak, Indy).
2014-15 were Ravens, Colts, Seahawks, so two of those three would make the playoffs. And each had a losing season since making the playoffs before returning this year.
It just goes to show how hard it is to maintain a quality team, this Patriots run being the ultimate outlier.
AFC: Pats, Ravens, Steelers, Texans, Bills, Chiefs
NFC: Niners, Saints, Vikings, Packers, Seahawks, Cowboys
That means that of the last nine teams that Pats have played in the playoffs, only TWO would make the playoffs this year.
2017-18: Chargers, Chiefs, Rams
2016-17 Titans, Jaguars, Eagles
2015-16 Texans, Steelers, Falcons
The Chiefs and Texans are also barely in the playoffs, and could conceivably fall out in favor of a team the Pats haven't faced in the playoffs recently (Oak, Indy).
2014-15 were Ravens, Colts, Seahawks, so two of those three would make the playoffs. And each had a losing season since making the playoffs before returning this year.
It just goes to show how hard it is to maintain a quality team, this Patriots run being the ultimate outlier.