The New England Patriots are arguably the best team in the AFC, but some question that they could even make the Super Bowl.
The AFC is more competitive than people give it credit for. That conference has two of the most competitive divisions in the league. With that being said, the New England Patriots are still a top 2 team in the conference. It won’t be a cake walk to the big game (obviously).
It would still take a little bit of luck for the Patriots to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Even though they might be able to defeat any team in the playoff picture, it would be difficult, and chances are they wouldn’t make it through the whole thing without ideal match-ups. Every team needs a little luck. So, I now present to you the Patriots’ ideal path to the big game.
Get a first round bye
Surely this seems simple. The New England Patriots have proven that they can beat Pittsburgh, so they have guaranteed themselves a trip to the playoffs. Now they need to get a top 2 seed by winning the rest of their games. The bye week would give Bill Belichick more time to work his magic by scouting his wild card opponent. It would give all the players some needed rest, which will increase their odds of winning it all.
Some could argue that the bye week could stop momentum, which could prove true. However, I feel that momentum can easily be regained in the flow of the game. I believe that the Patriots have proven this time and again. Last year, The New England Patriots were down 28-3 in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons, and they battled back to score 31 unanswered points and win the game in OT. If that isn’t regaining momentum, then I guess I know nothing about the mental side of sports.
Momentum won’t be the big issue, so getting the well needed rest and preparation time is nearly essential.
Avoid a game with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Yes, #Sacksonville is a legit team. The team has more sacks than any team in the league, and they have clinched the playoffs. Although their defense gets the most recognition, they are good on either side of the ball. Blake Bortles can throw with any signal caller in the league. Leonard Fournette is one of the league leading rushers.
New England would have a bigger challenge with the Jaguars than with the Steelers at this point. The Jags are one of the best teams in the league when it comes to winning the turnover battle. The only team higher than them in the turnover differential category is the Baltimore Ravens, who have a +17. Jacksonville is sitting at +15.
The Pats could definitely beat this team, but it’d be better for them if they avoided them. Of course, the best way for this to happen would be for the Jags to beat out Pittsburgh for the other 1st round bye. This is a variable that New England cannot necessarily control, but they wish they could.
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.
Take on Kansas City or Tennessee in the Divisional Round
This is where it gets tricky. I have said to some of my friends that these two teams are the Pats’ biggest allies in the wild card round. If they are gifted a match with either of these teams, it’ll be a cake walk to the conference championship.
Now, you may be getting ready to fire away in the comments about how I’m a moron for saying this (not really,the people who comment on my writing are actually very well spoken and polite). But here me out for a moment. Since their meeting in week 1, both of these teams have changed quite a bit, both going in seemingly opposite directions. The New England Patriots have a defensive unit that has only allowed 20 or more points twice since week 4.
The Chiefs have a defensive unit that gives up a ton of yardage. Despite the fact that both of these teams have two of the best offenses in the league, these defenses will make the most impact in this potential game. I obviously think that Josh McDaniels’ group will not give up 42 points to Alex Smith, Kareem Hunt, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce again. Essentially, the Patriots will use their previous encounter with the Chiefs as motivation to slaughter them if this rematch occurs.
Tennessee is a team that is way too predictable on either side of the ball. This year’s Titans make Dr. Seuss look like Shakespeare. New England would beat them completely. It would be a massacre on the football field.
The defense must show up to play
This group is going to be essential. The New England Patriots can’t afford to give up the amount of yardage that they have (377.4 yards per game, 29th in the league). Of course, some of this would have to be because Brady hasn’t played entirely like himself as of late. He has thrown more picks than he should’ve, and that can lead to a tired defense.
As another requirement to an easy playoff run, Tom Brady cannot throw more than 3 interceptions this postseason. That will be a general rule for the offense.
As long as the defense can get back to giving up less than 20 points per game, then there chances immediately increase. This year’s New England Patriots team is extremely talented. They have a pass rush that is consistent, a secondary that can make a big play when needed, and a prolific offense (duh!).
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They have all the tools to make it to the Super Bowl and win. Now it’s just time to show it.