2008 11-5 record beaten by only 4 of 32 teams

[PatSunday]

Only Indy, San Diego, Vikings, and New Orleans have a better record than 11-5 this year. This means 8 teams have the same or worse record.

What if last year's team made these playoffs? They would also be seeded third. Knowing what we now know about both Patriots teams as they stood at the end of the season, the 2008 version vs now, which would you take going into this year's playoffs, and why? Both versions keep the respective coaching staff, players, regular season schedule, and injuries as of the last game of their respective season, but they'll be facing this year's playoff teams. Also, since their opponents would have been different strength last year versus this one, consider the performances against whichever year's team they played, but realize they'd be playing this years teams in the playoffs.

I will need to think about this overnight.

 

[TheComeback]

Last year's team was unquestionably performing better at this point of the year. They were finishing games at the end of the season.

 

[fumbrunner]

Last year's team was unquestionably performing better at this point of the year. They were finishing games at the end of the season.

They also had a cupcake schedule last year, as did the rest of the AFC East.

 

[brady-rules12]

this year patriots played the three best passing offences (saints, colts, texans) on the road
this years team played much better teams, with wes welker healthy they may have been the champions of the afc