I could see this season being a first round loss. They just don't have enough fire power on offense, and their defense has totally declined due to injuries and a lack of depth. They haven't looked like the dominant team of the previous years at all this season. Brady has pretty much carried this team as well as anyone could. This team has fought extremely hard this season though. One of the toughest and most remarkable Patriots teams I've watched of this era. They just don't have the talent lining up on the field this year to beat some of the tougher playoff teams. It could happen. I won't totally count them out, but I just don't see them beating the Broncos in the playoffs or the Chiefs either. I see them having a very hard time with the Bengals as well. The Bengals have had two first round losses the last two years. They have more experience now and might be set up for a nice run. If the Pats had won out and achieved the first round bye and home field advantage, then I'd give them a great shot, but this season they were going to need the home field advantage more than any other season.