How long does NE play their starters? (1 Viewer)

[pinda]

With Denver winning and having the tiebreaker over NE, they are officially out of contention from having a bye week.They could still catch Cincy if the Bengals lose their next two games (vs. Buff, @KC), which isn't likely against Buffalo at home. So with Brady banged up, Dillon always banged up, how long do the offensive guys play in NE's next 2 games. I could see Brady sitting this week and then Dillon the next.

 

[Jimmy James]

I think they'll play long enough to finish off the Jets (which shouldn't take long) but sit a lot of guys against the Dolphins -- they'll be officially slotted at #4 by then.

 

[jwvdcw]

I think they'll play long enough to finish off the Jets (which shouldn't take long) but sit a lot of guys against the Dolphins -- they'll be officially slotted at #4 by then.

I doubt Brady and the gang play in week 17. I think he'll play most of the game in week 16, though.

 

[nerangers]

I think they play the first half week 16, and a few series week 17. You would hate for anyone else getting hurt at this point since they can not move up the rankings.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Interesting call here. Belichick has always been of the opinion that EVERY game counts. He does not have a history of sitting guys even in their 14-2 seasons. I think Belichick is hard headed and Brady will play at least a half week 17. Look at yesterday, Brady and Dillon were playing in the 4th qtr when the game had long been wrapped up.

 

[Sweeper]

Yea ... BB is not going to sit his guys. He might pull them early if the game is in hand, but he sets up his lineup to win, every game.

 

[David Yudkin]

They normally don't sit people, and now that they are playing well I suspect they won't do anything to mess that up. IMO, Pats play everyone to keep things running smoothly with the possible exception if they get up big, some guys might skip the last 1/8 to 1/4 of the game.

 

[Shark Attack]

They normally don't sit people, and now that they are playing well I suspect they won't do anything to mess that up. IMO, Pats play everyone to keep things running smoothly with the possible exception if they get up big, some guys might skip the last 1/8 to 1/4 of the game.

on the other hand wouldn't it be smart to give Flutie some time with the regualrs just in case Brady gets nicked up ike he did in the AFC Champions vs Pitt a few years back? Here's to hoping so as I am up against Brady in my big cash league..

 

[MallRat]

Next week, Cincy vs. KC and Miami vs. NE are both early games, so if the Patriots take care of business vs. the Jets tomorrow, they're not going to have the benefit of learning the outcome of the Bengals game before they play.I see NE playing full-strength against both NYJ and MIA, unless/until their games are out of reach......or until it looks like the Bengals are going to beat KC. There'll be some scoreboard-watching at Gillette.

 

[pinda]

this thread is useless now, NE starters will play the whole game solely for the fact that Cincy is within reach. Travelling to Denver in 2nd week is much more appealing than travelling to Indy. KC will play Cinncy hard since they need the victory themselves. NE takes care of their own and they are slotted at #3.If this all plays out, some pretty interesting matches in the first round.Jags @ BengalsSteelers @ PatriotsAssuming the home teams win, what a divisional week for the AFC.Pats @ Broncosand the long awaited rematch - Bengals @ Colts.

 

[Marc Levin]

this thread is useless now, NE starters will play the whole game solely for the fact that Cincy is within reach. Travelling to Denver in 2nd week is much more appealing than travelling to Indy.

KC will play Cinncy hard since they need the victory themselves. NE takes care of their own and they are slotted at #3.

If this all plays out, some pretty interesting matches in the first round.

Jags @ Bengals

Steelers @ Patriots

Assuming the home teams win, what a divisional week for the AFC.

Pats @ Broncos

and the long awaited rematch - Bengals @ Colts.

If cincy wins next week, pats can't get the #3.

 

[AB in DC]

this thread is useless now, NE starters will play the whole game solely for the fact that Cincy is within reach. Travelling to Denver in 2nd week is much more appealing than travelling to Indy.

Is it? Denver is undefeated at home, Indy is not. And Indy is struggling with injuries.

 

[tombonneau]

this thread is useless now, NE starters will play the whole game solely for the fact that Cincy is within reach. Travelling to Denver in 2nd week is much more appealing than travelling to Indy.

Is it? Denver is undefeated at home, Indy is not. And Indy is struggling with injuries.

Agreed. As a Pats fan, I would like to see NE with the #4 and have JAX come to NE in Rnd 1, much more appealing than PIT.Also, I'd prefer NE going to IND in round 2 with the Colts reeling and the Pats looking to avenge a MNF massacre.

NE has historically struggled in DEN for as long as I can recall.

IMO, only way the #3 seed helps is if CIN & NE advance to the championship, obv. you'd want that game at home. Other than that, I prefer the #4 seed scenario for NE.

 

[GOroute]

this thread is useless now, NE starters will play the whole game solely for the fact that Cincy is within reach.  Travelling to Denver in 2nd week is much more appealing than travelling to Indy. 

Is it? Denver is undefeated at home, Indy is not. And Indy is struggling with injuries.

Agreed. As a Pats fan, I would like to see NE with the #4 and have JAX come to NE in Rnd 1, much more appealing than PIT.Also, I'd prefer NE going to IND in round 2 with the Colts reeling and the Pats looking to avenge a MNF massacre.

NE has historically struggled in DEN for as long as I can recall.

IMO, only way the #3 seed helps is if CIN & NE advance to the championship, obv. you'd want that game at home. Other than that, I prefer the #4 seed scenario for NE.

you cant wish for those things. you play for the best possible seeding. if you rooted for ther 4, you would get the unlucky draw of playing at cincy for the afc c. instead of hosting it. no ? you go for the 3. you get any kind of w you can.

 

[Guru]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

 

[pghrob]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

 

[packersfan]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

 

[Marc Levin]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

game has bearing on their seedin - they win tonight and v. Mia and cincy loses next week and they move into #3.

 

[NYCelt]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

Seems to me they might have something to play for, but it definitely is not a lot considering guys are banged up.

 

[packersfan]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

Seems to me they might have something to play for, but it definitely is not a lot considering guys are banged up.

The chance to move up in the seedings is a very big incentive. They clearly have something to play for. And one thing about the Patriots is they're starting to get healthy all of a sudden. They keep winning and go into the playoffs on a strong note that's going to make them a pretty dangerous team -- and they're obviously pretty dangerous to begin with in the post-season.

 

[NYCelt]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

Seems to me they might have something to play for, but it definitely is not a lot considering guys are banged up.

The chance to move up in the seedings is a very big incentive. They clearly have something to play for. And one thing about the Patriots is they're starting to get healthy all of a sudden. They keep winning and go into the playoffs on a strong note that's going to make them a pretty dangerous team -- and they're obviously pretty dangerous to begin with in the post-season.

COlts in a bit or turmoil so I don't think playing at Den is an easier game that playing at Colts. I'd rather have all my starters healthy and play at Ind than go tinto Den dinged up.

 

[packersfan]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

Seems to me they might have something to play for, but it definitely is not a lot considering guys are banged up.

The chance to move up in the seedings is a very big incentive. They clearly have something to play for. And one thing about the Patriots is they're starting to get healthy all of a sudden. They keep winning and go into the playoffs on a strong note that's going to make them a pretty dangerous team -- and they're obviously pretty dangerous to begin with in the post-season.

COlts in a bit or turmoil so I don't think playing at Den is an easier game that playing at Colts. I'd rather have all my starters healthy and play at Ind than go tinto Den dinged up.

Why is it an automatic assumption anyone will be dinged up? The Patriots are getting healthier and playing better. If they win these last two games and go into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, they will arguably be the hottest team in the AFC heading into the playoffs. That's a good position to be in. Two more good games from Brady and two more good games from the Pats' defense will give them a huge jolt of confidence and a confident Patriots' team won't care who they're playing or where.

 

[Lemmiwinks]

Maybe not this week, but the Pats and Bengals starters will be benched in week 17. The difference between the #3 or #4 seed is not worth risking injury.

 

[NYCelt]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

Seems to me they might have something to play for, but it definitely is not a lot considering guys are banged up.

The chance to move up in the seedings is a very big incentive. They clearly have something to play for. And one thing about the Patriots is they're starting to get healthy all of a sudden. They keep winning and go into the playoffs on a strong note that's going to make them a pretty dangerous team -- and they're obviously pretty dangerous to begin with in the post-season.

COlts in a bit or turmoil so I don't think playing at Den is an easier game that playing at Colts. I'd rather have all my starters healthy and play at Ind than go tinto Den dinged up.

Why is it an automatic assumption anyone will be dinged up? The Patriots are getting healthier and playing better. If they win these last two games and go into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, they will arguably be the hottest team in the AFC heading into the playoffs. That's a good position to be in. Two more good games from Brady and two more good games from the Pats' defense will give them a huge jolt of confidence and a confident Patriots' team won't care who they're playing or where.

Well Brady has a bad shoulder, I think he was questionable a week or two ago If Iamthe Pats the biggest concern I have is making the playoffs and after that it's a healthy Tom Brady, much more than being percieved as the "hot" team going in.

 

[Weiner Dog]

COlts in a bit or turmoil so I don't think playing at Den is an easier game that playing at Colts. I'd rather have all my starters healthy and play at Ind than go tinto Den dinged up.

 

[packersfan]

Maybe not this week, but the Pats and Bengals starters will be benched in week 17. The difference between the #3 or #4 seed is not worth risking injury.

Given how Belichick played his starters into the fourth quarter of what was a meaningless Week 17 game last season, I'd say the chances of him doing the same this season when the team should clearly have something to play for are rather high.

 

[packersfan]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

Seems to me they might have something to play for, but it definitely is not a lot considering guys are banged up.

The chance to move up in the seedings is a very big incentive. They clearly have something to play for. And one thing about the Patriots is they're starting to get healthy all of a sudden. They keep winning and go into the playoffs on a strong note that's going to make them a pretty dangerous team -- and they're obviously pretty dangerous to begin with in the post-season.

COlts in a bit or turmoil so I don't think playing at Den is an easier game that playing at Colts. I'd rather have all my starters healthy and play at Ind than go tinto Den dinged up.

Why is it an automatic assumption anyone will be dinged up? The Patriots are getting healthier and playing better. If they win these last two games and go into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, they will arguably be the hottest team in the AFC heading into the playoffs. That's a good position to be in. Two more good games from Brady and two more good games from the Pats' defense will give them a huge jolt of confidence and a confident Patriots' team won't care who they're playing or where.

Well Brady has a bad shoulder, I think he was questionable a week or two ago If Iamthe Pats the biggest concern I have is making the playoffs and after that it's a healthy Tom Brady, much more than being percieved as the "hot" team going in.

Brady was questionable last week and is probable this week so he's back to being in the same shape he was for most of the season. He's as healthy as he's going to be and the idea that he's somehow going to get hurt in Week 17 is rather far-fetched in my opinion.

 

[Lemmiwinks]

Maybe not this week, but the Pats and Bengals starters will be benched in week 17. The difference between the #3 or #4 seed is not worth risking injury.

Given how Belichick played his starters into the fourth quarter of what was a meaningless Week 17 game last season, I'd say the chances of him doing the same this season when the team should clearly have something to play for are rather high.

Didn't they have a first round bye last year? They don't this year and rest would be quite beneficial to them before that first playoff game.

 

[packersfan]

Maybe not this week, but the Pats and Bengals starters will be benched in week 17. The difference between the #3 or #4 seed is not worth risking injury.

Given how Belichick played his starters into the fourth quarter of what was a meaningless Week 17 game last season, I'd say the chances of him doing the same this season when the team should clearly have something to play for are rather high.

Didn't they have a first round bye last year? They don't this year and rest would be quite beneficial to them before that first playoff game.

So would moving up in the seedings.

 

[Lemmiwinks]

Maybe not this week, but the Pats and Bengals starters will be benched in week 17. The difference between the #3 or #4 seed is not worth risking injury.

Given how Belichick played his starters into the fourth quarter of what was a meaningless Week 17 game last season, I'd say the chances of him doing the same this season when the team should clearly have something to play for are rather high.

Didn't they have a first round bye last year? They don't this year and rest would be quite beneficial to them before that first playoff game.

So would moving up in the seedings.

Well, I think a first round bye is worth playing for, but gaining possible HFA over one team out of 6 doesn't seem worth it to me.

 

[packersfan]

Bottom line is the Pats will play their starters the whole game on Monday night.

Then they have nobody but themselves to blame if they lose a key player by playing the whole game when it has no bearing on their seeding.

If the Patriots win out and the Bengals lose next week they can move up to the No. 3 seed. Seems to me they have a lot to play for these last two weeks and both games are very important to them.

Seems to me they might have something to play for, but it definitely is not a lot considering guys are banged up.

The chance to move up in the seedings is a very big incentive. They clearly have something to play for. And one thing about the Patriots is they're starting to get healthy all of a sudden. They keep winning and go into the playoffs on a strong note that's going to make them a pretty dangerous team -- and they're obviously pretty dangerous to begin with in the post-season.

COlts in a bit or turmoil so I don't think playing at Den is an easier game that playing at Colts. I'd rather have all my starters healthy and play at Ind than go tinto Den dinged up.

Why is it an automatic assumption anyone will be dinged up? The Patriots are getting healthier and playing better. If they win these last two games and go into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, they will arguably be the hottest team in the AFC heading into the playoffs. That's a good position to be in. Two more good games from Brady and two more good games from the Pats' defense will give them a huge jolt of confidence and a confident Patriots' team won't care who they're playing or where.

Well Brady has a bad shoulder, I think he was questionable a week or two ago If Iamthe Pats the biggest concern I have is making the playoffs and after that it's a healthy Tom Brady, much more than being percieved as the "hot" team going in.

Brady was questionable last week and is probable this week so he's back to being in the same shape he was for most of the season. He's as healthy as he's going to be and the idea that he's somehow going to get hurt in Week 17 is rather far-fetched in my opinion.

Not so far fetched. Why would the Colts and Broncos bench their starters if there was no chance of injury?

I understand the reason why but if Brady has made it through 15 games (assuming he doesn't get hurt tonight) the odds of him getting hurt in Week 17 are rather remote. And we don't have a consensus on whether resting guys is the smart way to go. It worked for the Eagles last year but it blew up in the Broncos' faces nearly a decade ago.So the jury's still out on whether the smart move is to rest guys or play them. Belichick played his guys last year in a meaningless finale and it worked out pretty well for the Patriots.

 

[packersfan]

Maybe not this week, but the Pats and Bengals starters will be benched in week 17. The difference between the #3 or #4 seed is not worth risking injury.

Given how Belichick played his starters into the fourth quarter of what was a meaningless Week 17 game last season, I'd say the chances of him doing the same this season when the team should clearly have something to play for are rather high.

Didn't they have a first round bye last year? They don't this year and rest would be quite beneficial to them before that first playoff game.

So would moving up in the seedings.

Well, I think a first round bye is worth playing for, but gaining possible HFA over one team out of 6 doesn't seem worth it to me.

And that's where we disagree. I think any chance to have a playoff game at home is worth playing for.

 

[ILUVBEER99]

I would be shocked if the NE starters got pulled early unless the game is a blowout.They have something to play for. Coach's can't bench guys fearing injury in a game that means something. By that logic maybe they should just bench their star players the whole season and hope they can get into the playoffs without them.Injuries happen, in games, in practice, walking the dog. Unless the game means nothing benching players due to fear of injury is quite ######ed.

 

[NYCelt]

By that logic maybe they should just bench their star players the whole season and hope they can get into the playoffs without them.

that's a bit of a stretch.

 

[Guru]

It is important for the Pats to finish ahead of the Bengals in case they meet in the AFC Championship game.

 

[djcolts]

this thread is useless now, NE starters will play the whole game solely for the fact that Cincy is within reach.  Travelling to Denver in 2nd week is much more appealing than travelling to Indy. 

Is it? Denver is undefeated at home, Indy is not. And Indy is struggling with injuries.

The Colts are resting anyone with any sort of bruise for the playoffs (except for Manning to keep his stupid start streak alive). As of now, all of their main guys will play in the divisional round except for *maybe* RT Ryan Diem.

 

[GOroute]

till 4 min to go. thx pats. brady, dillon & givens and all those that helped make plays happen. a win to win the whole friggin thing during mnf is as sweet as ever!