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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Dec 24, 2016 22:32:10 GMT -5
Here we go. My nightmare. Number one seed still in doubt all the way into week 17.
The Dolphins are fighting for their playoff lives next week unless the Broncos lose tomorrow I think. The Patriots are facing the Dolphins in the last week.
The Raiders play the Broncos next week however but if the Broncos lose tomorrow, it won't matter.
Raiders hold the tie breaker for the number one seed.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Dec 24, 2016 23:21:02 GMT -5
Wow yeap nevermind.
Derek Carr, Oakland's QB is out indefinitely with a broken fibula bone in his leg.
This probably means that the Patriots will most likely be the top seed no matter who they face in the playoffs. I doubt Oakland makes it past their first playoff game if Carr doesn't make it back.
The Patriots should go into this game thinking they don't need to win now, because in reality, they really don't have to worry all that much anymore.
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Dec 25, 2016 10:20:58 GMT -5
Definitely rest Hightower and Amendola. Take Edelman off kick returns and maybe limit Bennett?
Part of the reason they lost to Miami last year wasnt just because of resting players but they didn't even try to win.
If Denver loses then Miami will be resting players too as that game won't affect their seeding at all.
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Post by kingofthetrill on Dec 25, 2016 23:40:17 GMT -5
Well it seems like most of my concerns don't matter now. It's been a great Christmas.
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Dec 26, 2016 8:56:28 GMT -5
I think the best case scenario (realistically) is KC wins, Oakland loses. Then we get the Texans or Raiders game 1, KC or Pitt game 2. Then the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.
Worst case is probably KC, Pitt then Seattle or the Giants.
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Post by jimed14 on Dec 26, 2016 12:57:11 GMT -5
I think the best case scenario (realistically) is KC wins, Oakland loses. Then we get the Texans or Raiders game 1, KC or Pitt game 2. Then the Cowboys in the Super Bowl. Worst case is probably KC, Pitt then Seattle or the Giants. Your worst case is kinda funny. I could think of worse. |
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Dec 26, 2016 19:49:54 GMT -5
Worst case meaning toughest path.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Dec 26, 2016 21:09:13 GMT -5
The Steelers personally scare the crap out of me. They can score points at will at times and can give the Patriots match up problems. My best wish for the playoffs is to avoid them at all costs.
Other than that, the Patriots are simply better than the rest of the AFC conference.
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Post by jimed14 on Dec 27, 2016 13:26:57 GMT -5
Belichick said he's not resting starters for week 17, so he probably will after 1 quarter.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Dec 27, 2016 13:55:55 GMT -5
Belichick said he's not resting starters for week 17, so he probably will after 1 quarter. Yeah preseason basically. |
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Dec 28, 2016 8:34:46 GMT -5
No reason to rest starters unless they have nagging injuries. Win the game and lock up #1 seed. Last year not having #1 seed cost us, don't take that risk again. We have a bye week coming up.
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Dec 28, 2016 9:07:58 GMT -5
No reason to rest starters unless they have nagging injuries. Win the game and lock up #1 seed. Last year not having #1 seed cost us, don't take that risk again. We have a bye week coming up. There is a big difference between going to Denver and going to Oakland who doesn't have their QB anymore. Besides, they didn't lose just because they rested a few guys last year, Belichick did not even try to win the game at Miami last year. |
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Dec 29, 2016 11:51:49 GMT -5
No reason to rest starters unless they have nagging injuries. Win the game and lock up #1 seed. Last year not having #1 seed cost us, don't take that risk again. We have a bye week coming up. There is a big difference between going to Denver and going to Oakland who doesn't have their QB anymore. Besides, they didn't lose just because they rested a few guys last year, Belichick did not even try to win the game at Miami last year. He's not making that mistake again. There might be a difference between going to Denver and Oakland, but playing at home gives you an advantage. Win the game and gaurentee home field. After last year I can't understand anyone wanting to let off the gas at this point. |
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Dec 29, 2016 19:17:12 GMT -5
Because last year was a half-assed game in which they didnt even rest Brady or try to win and he got hurt anyway.
I still think they should try and win but maybe rest some of the key cogs like Hightower. Sounds like Mitchell may need a week off hopefully not more than that.
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Post by costpet on Dec 30, 2016 9:19:48 GMT -5
Looks like Mitchell is not going to play, so it's a good week to see what Floyd can do. He's a very good receiver, but has to catch on to the system.
If Cleveland is really looking for a good QB and will take one on their first pick, why not trade it for JG? That's less of a risk than an unproven college QB.
I worry about Pittsburgh, but not so much if Pats play at home. I don't think anyone can beat them at home, so it's an important week to win.
Dallas/Pats SB would be a dream game. Advantage Pats. BB vs rookie QB.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Dec 30, 2016 12:35:49 GMT -5
Brady had some high praise for Floyd. Saying they have to get him involved because of his size and ability to go up and get the ball. So a full game for Floyd would be huge learning the plays and offense.
Reports say Pat's asking price starts with what Vikings traded for Bradford. Is Cleveland smart enough to trade for Jimmy? He's going to get traded. I just can't see Bill turning down the chance to stock team with talent to surround Brady with for the next 3-5 years. He'll then draft another QB to be Brady's new replacement.
Pittsburgh doesn't scare me, but Dallas does. That would be an awesome Superbowl and I think Pat's win, but Dallas is having a special season. Best OL in game, stud RB and a rookie QB that is as poised as any rookie QB you'll ever see.
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Dec 30, 2016 13:09:38 GMT -5
Rookie QBs have an atrocious record vs Belichick and the Cowboys don't exactly surprise you with their offense. I'd say the teams that worry me more are the Falcons, Seahawks and Giants.
I dont think Tomlin or Andy Reid would beat Belichick at home.
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Post by jimed14 on Dec 30, 2016 13:39:02 GMT -5
Imagine if Brady had Dallas' O-line, Ezekiel Elliot and Dez Bryant?
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Dec 30, 2016 14:37:43 GMT -5
Dallas run first offense is what scares me. It's good enough that you can game plan for it and not stop it. Then if you sell out to stop it Bryant can hurt you. Best way to beat Pat's is keep ball out of Brady's hands. So teams that have a run first offense that is elite and can control clock scare me.
Also you have to admit that Dak isn't your normal rookie QB. He has only thrown 4 int all year. His ability to run will cause problems for D. He's got to be one of the best rookie QBs of all time in regards of limiting turnovers.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Dec 30, 2016 16:13:58 GMT -5
The best way to beat Brady is score points and hopefully Brady makes a couple of mistakes. Brady can beat anyone.
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Post by cwaaa on Dec 30, 2016 19:48:22 GMT -5
It's Pittsburgh that gives me the most pause in the conference. While I can easily picture Pittsburgh putting up a stinker against a mediocre opponent and not even getting a chance to play New England, their offense gives them a chance against anyone.
If New England can get past Pittsburgh, they'll face Dallas, Seattle, New York or Green Bay in the Super Bowl.
The question for Dallas is "what happens if Brady starts putting points on the board?" It doesn't matter how well you're running the ball if you're down 17.
Seattle played their absolute best football in their week 9 matchup with NE; the Patriots played their absolute worst football that week and lost in the final second of regulation. Belichick is not going to let that happen twice in one season.
I know the thought of playing the Giants in the Super Bowl makes alot of Pats fans nervous, but this Giants team isn't the team that tortured Tom Brady in the past. Those past defenses relied upon getting pressure with four rushers, and Brady has shown a propensity to pick apart the best secondaries if given time.
That brings us to Green Bay. Similar to Roethlisbergerin the AFC, Rodgers is the great equalizer in his conference. If he's playing, Green Bay has a punchers chance regardless of the roster around him.
With all that said, New England is easily the most balanced team in football. They can spread you out or run it down your throat. They can stack the box with big bodies or force you to throw into a very good secondary. And they've been here before. And they don't get outcoached. This is as good a chance as they've ever had to walk away with the Lombardi. Should be exciting stuff.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Jan 1, 2017 15:41:46 GMT -5
The road to the superbowl goes through Foxboro. The Patriots are officially the number one seed.
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Post by kingofthetrill on Jan 1, 2017 23:24:00 GMT -5
Can we talk about the block that Floyd laid on Tony Lippett during the Edelman TD? I'm not up to date with the lingo these days but I think it's safe to say that Lippett got served.
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Post by telson13 on Jan 2, 2017 1:48:11 GMT -5
Can we talk about the block that Floyd laid on Tony Lippett during the Edelman TD? I'm not up to date with the lingo these days but I think it's safe to say that Lippett got served. I couldn't help but watch it four or five times. Absolutely jacked him up. Like a vintage Milloy hit. Or watching Corey Dillon stiff-arm a d-back into the next Sunday. That hit was worth 50 yards and 6 points, and a prime spot on the season highlight reel. Damn. |
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Jan 2, 2017 3:50:40 GMT -5
The Patriots may have the easiest road to the superbowl, if they get there.
They will have to face one of Oakland (who just lost their QB and looked horrible), or Houston (who probably shouldn't even be considered a play-off team and is also horrible), or maybe even a slim chance to face Miami (if they somehow beat the Steelers, which I don't see happening but if they did, it would also benefit the Patriots).
Then they'll either have to face most likely one of the Chiefs who the Patriots beat last year or the Steelers after Ben has been hurt for the whole year practically and sat out week 17 because of it. They will have to face one of these teams when the Chiefs and Steelers are done beating up each other in the divisional round.
They're going to face these teams all while playing at home. I mean, it couldn't be set up any better for the Patriots to go to the superbowl this year.
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