The more I think about it, the more I like New England's chances in the playoffs. But they're only 9-5, and they seemingly can't win a playoff game on the road, you say. True. Yet here's why I like the Pats going forward.
This week's game against the Jags is a must-win. Period. This week is the Super Bowl. Why? Because that'll secure a playoff berth, and Tom Brady - and any other players who are dinged up - can get a rest in Week 17.
New England would get a first-round home game against one of the many AFC teams in the mix for the two wild card spots. Personally, I'd like to see Denver, only because you know Josh McDaniels doesn't want to give Belichick another shot (especially at home).
Assuming the Patriots advance (and fans should be confident, considering the Patriots are perfect at home this year), they'd get Indianapolis on the road in the conference semifinals. OK, less confidence here, but clearly New England can hang with the Colts. And are you going to tell me there isn't going to be even a little extra motivation for that month's worth of 4th-and-2 talk?
Should Brady and company advance, waiting likely will be the Chargers, New England's biggest adversary this decade. Remember Troy Brown stripping the ball and recovering the fumble after Brady's interception? Remember sealing the Super Bowl berth with a 20-12 victory in the 2007 season?
Look, these are probably long shots, but I'm just trying to point out that they're not as long as some may think. And remember my Super Bowl pick at the beginning of the season.
New England 42, Minnesota 20.
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