New England Patriots: 5 things need to happen for Super Bowl LII berth

Don’t play either the Baltimore Ravens or the Los Angeles Chargers in the Divisional round

This one may seem like a head scratcher, but there is always reasoning beyond my madness. The Patriots have played the Los Angeles Chargers and beat them, but this team has changed since that game. Also, the chances of the Chargers making the playoffs are very slim. They just lost to the Kansas City Chiefs last week.

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If the Chargers find a way to make it to the playoffs, they’ll be looking to make an improbable run. Phillip Rivers has been throwing the ball well. Melvin Gordon has been one of the top running backs in the league this season. Keenan Allen has been absolutely phenomenal. It’ll be hard for any corner on the defending champ’s roster to guard him.

Not to mention that this defense is one of the best against the pass. They are one of the top teams in terms of sacks. If there is one hole in this entire team, it would have to be their run defense. The Chargers could give up 100 yards and a score to any starting running back in the league. That’s where the Patriots could beat the Chargers. However, New England would be pretty battered and bruised going into the championship game. That would not be ideal.

What about Baltimore?

The Baltimore Ravens have become one of the more dangerous teams in the league, now that Joe Flacco is throwing like hopeful Ravens fans were anticipating. Alex Collins has become the lead back on the team, with Javorius (Buck) Allen serving as a compliment on 3rd down and changes of pace. The receiving corps has done more than its fair share. On top of that, their offensive line hasn’t been the worst.

While their offense has picked up steam, their defense hasn’t been as dangerous as it was in the first half of the season. They have seemingly lost a step. However, the New England Patriots

couldn’t afford to tire out Brady’s arm passing against this vaunted secondary. The Purple Birds are always a difficult defense, especially come playoff time. Whenever the purple and black come into Foxborough, there will be a great game, and New England’s chances of making the super bowl would drop if they had to tire themselves out against Baltimore.

Don’t get me wrong, this year’s squad could beat out either of these teams, but it would make their road to the big game tougher than what it could be.