I think the Playoff perspectives posted by others may be correct, but I have a different perspective of what happens in the remaining games of the season. I feel too many posters are too optimistic. I base my projections on the relatively expected time to recover from the injuries that they have suffered.
The depleted Patriots are not now a juggernaut. But several of the injured players may return in the next 2 -3 weeks. Solder, the LOT, Dion Lewis the quick back, and Aaron Dobson the outside WR depth, are gone for the year.
Hopefully, Amendola, Edelman, , Jamie Collins, and Donta Hightower and perhaps Colemen will be back around then.
Unfortunately I think the Patriots in their deleted and helpless state, may lose one or two of of the next two games.
Fortunately the Offensive line saw everyone save Solder play this past weekend. I assume they need another week or two to erase the rust, and get some teamwork. But there is no doubt that without their starting LOT, the Pats O line is vulnerable. Amendola may return this week but I think he will be still a game away. Gronk may return in 2 weeks, and Edelmen in 3 weeks. That gives the Pats 2 weeks in the regular season to erase the rust. So the Offense may be still be capable, unlike it is now.
On Defense, Collins may return this week, and Hightower in 3 weeks. If no more injuries occur they will be a fine Defense for the Playoffs.
These estimates are the normal expectations for the injuries the Pats incurred. A sprained knee is a 3-4 week injury, and a broken foot a 6-8 week injury. I would not be surprised to see the Pats finish 13-3 or even 12-4 both of which likely get a bye and perhaps even a HFA. But hey may need to win thier last two games to get that record.
