We have to look at this game as a "must" win. Looking at Buffalo's schedule, they're at 4-2 with only 4 tough games left (not including 2 vs the Pats, which may or not be easy games for Buffalo - but the Pats have the opportunity for the sweep - but so does Buffalo). Tough games are Seattle, at Arizon, at SF (this could end up a cupcake, but west coast trips not easy), and Pittsburgh. They get Seattle and Pittsburgh at home. But...the HFA won't be much because the communist NY governor won't allow fans, so that mitigates the difficulty of a Buffalo road trip for west coast Seattle. I really don't see Buffalo going any worse than 9-5 in their remaining games vs all teams not the Pats.
The Pats have a more difficult schedule IMHO. They sit at 2-3 and have yet to win a road game (Buffalo has won 2). The Pats remaining schedule is not easy. With difficult games @SF, Baltimore, Arizona, @ San Diego, @Rams, and @Miami. I'll say they go 2-4 in those games and win the rest of their games not against Buffalo (nothing has shown us this season that they can beat a good team, especially on the road.) If we give the Pats 2 wins vs the Jets and 1 win at Houston (which I'm actually reticent to do, but for argument's sake we'll do it) the Pats sit at 7-7 not including games vs Buffalo. I'm trying to be optimistic here because I really don't think the Pats are going 5-4 vs those teams, but even if they do - which had they not blown the game vs Denver, would put them in a good playoff position at 8-6 so even a split vs Buffalo might get them in. Now the Pats are in a position that they've created themselves with schitty drafts, a coach who seemingly gave up against Denver, and poor general management where they're relying on a quarterback who can't audible and can't complete many passes if his first option is covered. Coupled with the fact that a fella named Byrd is their leading receiver and it looks like Krafty's Boys are going to be on the outside looking in come January. Sitting at 2-3 Coach/GM Bill and Krafty Bob have a team that needs to sweep Buffalo and go 6-3 in their other games (to finish 10-6) if they any chance of a home playoff game and division title...tall order.
