Patriots Pregame Thread Pre Game Thread - Pats @ Bills

[upstater1]

Hope Godchaux doesnt have covid. He was out there yesterday. But not today. The Bills have really been running the ball a lot.

 

[upstater1]

If we go 8 in the playoffs, the last spot was really between the Phins, the Patriots and the Steelers (assuming the Jags beat the Titans).

I wonder if the Jets are now back in the hunt, and if so, it may mean that they play the Phins much harder than they otherwise would have.

That may mean the Patriots have a much better chance.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

If we go 8 in the playoffs, the last spot was really between the Phins, the Patriots and the Steelers (assuming the Jags beat the Titans).

I wonder if the Jets are now back in the hunt, and if so, it may mean that they play the Phins much harder than they otherwise would have.

That may mean the Patriots have a much better chance.

I really doubt that the league is going to allow an 8th seed in the AFC. That's unfair to KC, who would be forced to play wildcard weekend, and also unfair to the NFC who doesn't get an 8th seed into the playoffs.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

I really doubt that the league is going to allow an 8th seed in the AFC. That's unfair to KC, who would be forced to play wildcard weekend, and also unfair to the NFC who doesn't get an 8th seed into the playoffs.

The link I shared indicated that both the NFC and AFC would have 8 playoff teams. You are right it would be unfair to KC.

 

[TBR]

The link I shared indicated that both the NFC and AFC would have 8 playoff teams. You are right it would be unfair to KC.

Buffalo and Cincinnati were in control of their own destiny for the 1st seed. KC wasn't. It's not unfair to them any more than BUFF/CIN.

 

[crawhammer]

Buffalo ain't resting their starters against their most hated division rival, even if KC wins on Sat. They are going to try to win this game for Damar and try to knock NE out.

If the #1 seed is off the table then they might look at it differently. Probably not I suppose, and as I said, I think they have a lot to gain by still winning and getting the #2 seed. Regarding Hamlin, I suppose with him showing notable improvement now, the team can turn their focus more to the game itself.

All things being equal, Buffalo should get a relatively easy win over the Patriots. The formula is there for the Patriots to win but they probably need all of them to happen - run the ball effectively, control the TOP, win on ST, and win the turnover margin by at least 3 to1. And don't give Josh Allen one final 2-minute drive in a one score game.

 

[Jlaff]

Probably never.

I know I don't speak for everyone you've had entertaining battles with, but we miss you here @Ring 6.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Both Buffalo and Cincinnati were in control of their own destiny for the 1st seed. KC wasn't. It's not unfair to them any more than BUFF/CIN.

If the Bills and Chiefs won out, they would be both be 14-3 with Buffalo getting the tie breaker. However, Cincy currently sits at 11-4 and if they won out they would be 13-4 at best. So the only team that controlled its own destiny was Buffalo. KC and Cincy weren't in position to get the 1 seed without help.

 

[XLIX]

The link I shared indicated that both the NFC and AFC would have 8 playoff teams. You are right it would be unfair to KC.

Much more unfair to Philly. Not that I exactly have much sympathy for them, but still.....

 

[crawhammer]

I'm not so sure. Craw The only benefit of the 2 seed is if the Bengals end up being their opponent in AFCCG. Otherwise it matters little if they are the 2nd or 3rd. If the #1 seed is out of the question then I see them playing the starters the first half and get them to the bench in the 2nd.

The other benefit of the #2 seed for Buffalo is their wild card opponent. With the 7-team format intact, as the #2 seed they're playing NWE, MIA or PIT (or remotely JAX). With the #3 seed they're probably playing Baltimore with Lamar presumably back.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

The link I shared indicated that both the NFC and AFC would have 8 playoff teams. You are right it would be unfair to KC.

No way do they expand to 8 teams in each conference. That would be way unfair, especially, to the #1 seed in the NFC.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

Limited participation for the concussion folks (Marcus Jones, Parker and Smith) means they are on the way back to being able to play. Often it means they will be cleared for a game some days later - probably means Stage 4 of the 5 point protocol.

Median time out after a concussion is 9 days - it's been much longer for Parker.

Concussion List Tracker for NFL Players, plus NFL Concussion Protocol Policies

Comprehensive list of NFL players, who have had a concussion during the 2022 season, plus the NFL's concussion protocol policies & when players can return.

www.sharpfootballanalysis.com

 

[crawhammer]

I'm not so sure the Bengals beat Buffalo. That game comes down to last possession IMO.

There's no better offense in the NFL when Burrow and his receivers are clicking. They looked like they were well onto having their way with Buffalo's defense. I think home field is huge for Buffalo, especially this time of year, I really don't see anyone beating them at home. The way Buffalo's defense will be constituted heading into the postseason, I can see KAN or CIN at home putting up big numbers on Buffalo's defense.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

No way do they expand to 8 teams in each conference. That would be way unfair, especially, to the #1 seed in the NFC.

Every option is going to be unfair to at least one team. At this point I think they are trying to come up with a solution that is the least unfair rather than the most fair.

 

[SVN]

Josh Allen, Sean McDermott say Bills will be ready to play on Sunday against the Patriots

The Bills will be ready to play the Patriots on Sunday, just six days after seeing one of their teammates taken off the field in an ambulance.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Josh Allen, Sean McDermott say Bills will be ready to play on Sunday against the Patriots

The Bills will be ready to play the Patriots on Sunday, just six days after seeing one of their teammates taken off the field in an ambulance.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

i don’t think the Pats stand much of a chance in this one. they are going up against an emotional onslaught from Buffalo.

 

[crawhammer]

Every option is going to be unfair to at least one team. At this point I think they are trying to come up with a solution that is the least unfair rather than the most fair.

What's the deal with Buffalo? They don't want to return to Paycor Stadium? If they lose to the Patriots then they're likely going there again anyway. I really think the cancellation is being driven by Buffalo's discretion. From a football standpoint I would think they'd be inclined to finish out that game, and if they said as much to the NFL, then they probably would go through with the idea of having Bills-Bengals play on the same weekend as the NFC wild card. If Buffalo ends up losing on the road in playoffs then I think they'll look back with regret on not pushing for the game to be finished.

 

[Tom Tupa]

i don’t think the Pats stand much of a chance in this one. they are going up against an emotional onslaught from Buffalo.

I feel the same way unfortunately. I didn't love our chances even before this. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[SVN]

i don’t think the Pats stand much of a chance in this one. they are going up against an emotional onslaught from Buffalo.

yeah i think we are going to wiped off the floor on this one.

 

[crawhammer]

i don’t think the Pats stand much of a chance in this one. they are going up against an emotional onslaught from Buffalo.

It's one extreme to the other. There was talk of Buffalo being too traumatized to play this weekend, or the weekend after that, or until who knows when. Now all of the sudden they're going to destroy their next opponent in 3 days because they're riding an "emotional onslaught!"