Now Clearer AFC Playoff Picture: Pats Should Secure a Bye

[QB12]

Would hate to play in Baltimore. May not come to that though. I think Balt and NE both win out. 13-3. They got top seed and we are 2nd. I think Houston and Oakland finish 10-6. Oakland would get the 3 seed since they beat Houston. Oakland beats Cincy the 6th seed and visits Foxboro in Divisional Round. Pitt beats Houston and visits Baltimore. Tough to beat Steelers 3x. They could upset Baltimore and visit us for AFCCG.

agreed - that's the scenario I've envisioned as well.

 

[PatsFan24]

I don't want t a bye. Recent history suggests that we don't do very well after byes:

2009 - win dolphins lose ravens. Season record 10-6 (beat ravens during season)
2010 - win ravens lose jets. Season record 14-2 (split with jets during season)
2011 - lose steelers. Season record 8-3

Cumulative record after byes: 2-3
Cumulative season record : 32-11 (3:1)

This is an example of someone using stats instead of common sense.

Logic says a bye is better. Not only is it one less game to win, it is one less game where players can get hurt. The players get extra time to rest and have less traveling. I am sure if you asked the players and/or coaching staff they would rather have the bye week.

Also, in 2009 the Pats didn't have a bye and got killed in the first round.

 

[Silver Blue&Red]

Re: The Pats should secure a bye

Given the way we played after the bye this year I hope it's a good thing.

I'm a little late to party on this one, but my thoughts exactly. I dont like the way the Pats lose momentum after a bye.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Regarding the whole 'momentum' argument, how many times have the Patriots won a SB when having to play on wild card weekend?

Each time the Patriots have won a SB they had the bye, which amazingly didn't hurt them and their 'momentum'.

 

[Wax Frog]

Logic says a bye is better. Not only is it one less game to win, it is one less game where players can get hurt. The players get extra time to rest and have less traveling. I am sure if you asked the players and/or coaching staff they would rather have the bye week.

On top of that, even the 2 seed guarantees home games against all but one potential opponent, so a bye comes with only one road trip, at most, prior to the SB.