Inside the hoodie: Analyzing the AFC playoff picture for the Patriots
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| Photo courtesy of Jim Rogash/Getty |
Thank you Cincinnati Bengals. Because of your victory, our beloved Patriots have secured home field throughout the playoffs. Never in a million years did I think that Cincy quarterback, Andy Dalton, would ever win a big prime-time game. With a first round bye and home field advantage, it looks like Christmas wishes do come true!
The question on everyone's mind is who will the Patriots play in the second round? With one more week left, there is still time to see things shake up in the AFC.
Let's go inside the hoodie and break down possible scenarios and opponents for the AFC playoffs.
Scenario #1 - If The Season Ended Today
#1 - New England(bye)
#2 - Denver(bye)
AFC Wild Card Games
#3 - Cincinnati vs. #6 - San Diego
#4 - Indianapolis vs. #5 - Pittsburgh
Patriots potential opponents: Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, or San Diego
WeatherMan predicts: The Patriots will face San Diego.
Scenario #2 - If The Favorites Win In Week 17
#1 - New England(bye)
#2 - Denver(bye)
AFC Wild Card Games (based on week 17 wins by Denver, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and Baltimore)
#3 - Pittsburgh vs. #6 - Baltimore
#4 - Indianapolis vs. #5 - Cincinnati
Patriots potential opponents: Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Baltimore
WeatherMan predicts: The Patriots will face Cincinnati.
Scenario #3 - The WTF Happened In Week 17
#1 - New England(bye)
#2 - Cincinnati(bye)
AFC Wild Card Games (based on week 17 wins by Oakland, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Cleveland, and Jacksonville)
#3 - Denver vs. #6 - Kansas City
#4 - Indianapolis vs. #5 - Pittsburgh
Patriots potential opponents: Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City
WeatherMan predicts: The Patriots will face Pittsburgh
Do you have a headache yet? In my honest opinion (whatever it is worth these days), scenario #1 is most likely how AFC teams will be seeded after week 17. Not going to lie when I say that I am afraid of playing the Steelers. For some strange reason their running game and receivers just present some challenges for our defense. If San Diego makes it to the playoffs, I honestly think that they will beat Cincy. As Patriot fans, we do not want Baltimore to sneak into the playoffs. Despite Joe Flacco's latest struggles, we always seem to make him look like an elite QB.
So you have heard my thoughts. Who do you think the Pats will face in the second round of the playoffs? Leave some comments or tweet me!
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