Patriots and Cowboys Playoff Chances are Hinged on Each Other (1 Viewer)

[greenline]

Theoretically, the Patriots need to win out.

But they also need to the Cowboys to beat Baltimore in Week 16. Week 17, the Patriots should beat Buffalo and Dallas will has a tough matchup with the Eagles.

So if the Pats win out and Dallas can beat Philly, they both jump in to the playoffs.

Go Cowboys?

 

[Pat Patriot]

I think the Pats have a better shot at the division. They need to win out and have the Jets and Dolphins each lose 1 game.

 

[{Syrus}]

Theoretically, the Patriots need to win out. But they also need to the Cowboys to beat Baltimore in Week 16. Week 17, the Patriots should beat Buffalo and Dallas will has a tough matchup with the Eagles. So if the Pats win out and Dallas can beat Buffalo, they both jump in to the playoffs. Go Cowboys?

Dallas doesnt play Buffalo...umm yeah.

 

[greenline]

Theoretically, the Patriots need to win out. But they also need to the Cowboys to beat Baltimore in Week 16. Week 17, the Patriots should beat Buffalo and Dallas will has a tough matchup with the Eagles. So if the Pats win out and Dallas can beat Buffalo, they both jump in to the playoffs. Go Cowboys?

Dallas doesnt play Buffalo...umm yeah.

Corrected my typo. With all the drama in Dallas right now and they Patriots not controlling their playoff destiny, things do not look good.

 

[David Yudkin]

Long story short for the Pats, they need to win out and not finish in a tie with anyone. Realistically, whichever team wins the MIA/NYJ needs to lose one of their other 2 games or the Pats are likely done. Unless teams start losing a lot more games than expected, Pats won't win a 2 or 3 team AFC East tiebreaker.

Pats will lose a tiebreaker with the Colts and Ravens, so either BAL or IND would have to lose TWICE for the Pats to be a wildcard (or PIT losing all 3 games).

Patc could be 11-5 and not make the playoffs.

 

[Sheriff66]

Long story short for the Pats, they need to win out and not finish in a tie with anyone. Realistically, whichever team wins the MIA/NYJ needs to lose one of their other 2 games or the Pats are likely done. Unless teams start losing a lot more games than expected, Pats won't win a 2 or 3 team AFC East tiebreaker.

Pats will lose a tiebreaker with the Colts and Ravens, so either BAL or IND would have to lose TWICE for the Pats to be a wildcard (or PIT losing all 3 games).

Pats could be 11-5 and not make the playoffs.

 

[Bri]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?

I imagine Phillips getting fired replies. Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt? Teams need to address something if they don't make the playoffs so....what happens here?

 

[David Yudkin]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?I imagine Phillips getting fired replies. Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt? Teams need to address something if they don't make the playoffs so....what happens here?

Whether the Pats make the playoffs or not they have a lot of issues. They need secondary and linebacker help, have a lot of players that are getting a little long in the tooth, have guys that need contract extensions, may need a running back and tight end, and may see some of their staff moving on (although Belichick likely sticks around).IMO, losing Brady in the first quarter of the first game would be a pretty sound mulligan, especially if they end up 11-5 without him.Remaining schedule:NE: @OAK, ARI, @BUFNYJ: BUF, @SEA, MIAMIA: SF, @KC, @NYJBAL: PIT, @DAL, JAXIND: DET, @JAX, TENPIT: @BAL, @TEN, CLE

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Long story short for the Pats, they need to win out and not finish in a tie with anyone. Realistically, whichever team wins the MIA/NYJ needs to lose one of their other 2 games or the Pats are likely done. Unless teams start losing a lot more games than expected, Pats won't win a 2 or 3 team AFC East tiebreaker.Pats will lose a tiebreaker with the Colts and Ravens, so either BAL or IND would have to lose TWICE for the Pats to be a wildcard (or PIT losing all 3 games).Patc could be 11-5 and not make the playoffs.

Best shot is for the Jets to lose this week or next and then beat the fish in Week 17.Second best shot, a longshot but not crazy, is for Ravens to lose twice.

 

[stevegamer]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?

Bandwagon fans find a new team.

 

[Carver]

Can NE beat Arizona? That's the real question here. The wr's are going to present a huge mismatch for the Pats secondary. And you just know that Warner would love to get some long waited revenge. Another thing of note is how many times Wisenhunt has seen them during his tenure with Pitts.

That's goona be a tough game for NE to pull out imo.

 

[Ariakis]

The Cowboys are down their starting OG and his replacement, their lightning half of their RB punch, and possibly their thunder. Their TE and one of their WR's are playing hurt. Their QB missed several games and likely still is not 100% which is hurting his accuracy. On defense they are down 3 of their top 5 DB's and their other 2 DB's are playing hurt. I know good teams can overcome but sometimes you just need to shake your head and reload for next season.

That said ... where do Cowboys fans come out on ATL vs TB? Beyond simply running the table, the outcome of that game could go a long way to seeing if the Cowboys do make it in this year. If we beat the Giants and Eagles the Ravens game may not mean as much depending on what the other teams in the NFC do.

 

[David Yudkin]

Can NE beat Arizona? That's the real question here. The wr's are going to present a huge mismatch for the Pats secondary. And you just know that Warner would love to get some long waited revenge. Another thing of note is how many times Wisenhunt has seen them during his tenure with Pitts. That's goona be a tough game for NE to pull out imo.

It remains to be seen if Warner and the Cardinals can win on the road in the cold in New England.

 

[Shrek]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?

Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt?

Entire season down?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Can NE beat Arizona? That's the real question here. The wr's are going to present a huge mismatch for the Pats secondary. And you just know that Warner would love to get some long waited revenge. Another thing of note is how many times Wisenhunt has seen them during his tenure with Pitts. That's goona be a tough game for NE to pull out imo.

It remains to be seen if Warner and the Cardinals can win on the road in the cold in New England.

Warm weather/dome teams often do not fair well in cold weather games in December and January. Plus, as awesome as Warner is, his numbers in cold games outside are not good at all, although it is based on only a handful of games or so.

 

[Phurfur]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?I imagine Phillips getting fired replies. Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt? Teams need to address something if they don't make the playoffs so....what happens here?

If you check you will find NE has lost allot more than just Brady.

 

[Bri]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?

Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt?

Entire season down?

this post doesn't make any sense as a reply to the previous

 

[Bri]

Can NE beat Arizona? That's the real question here. The wr's are going to present a huge mismatch for the Pats secondary. And you just know that Warner would love to get some long waited revenge. Another thing of note is how many times Wisenhunt has seen them during his tenure with Pitts. That's goona be a tough game for NE to pull out imo.

It remains to be seen if Warner and the Cardinals can win on the road in the cold in New England.

Warm weather/dome teams often do not fair well in cold weather games in December and January. Plus, as awesome as Warner is, his numbers in cold games outside are not good at all, although it is based on only a handful of games or so.

This year?philly in November is about it and I'm not sure that would really be considerred cold. I suppose to some it might be.IMO(guess by schedule and location) they didn't play any cold games last year

 

[Bri]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?I imagine Phillips getting fired replies. Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt? Teams need to address something if they don't make the playoffs so....what happens here?

If you check you will find NE has lost allot more than just Brady.

In what way do you think the Pats would address issues on the team after not(supposedly) making the playoffs this year?

 

[Bri]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?I imagine Phillips getting fired replies. Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt? Teams need to address something if they don't make the playoffs so....what happens here?

Whether the Pats make the playoffs or not they have a lot of issues. They need secondary and linebacker help, have a lot of players that are getting a little long in the tooth, have guys that need contract extensions, may need a running back and tight end, and may see some of their staff moving on (although Belichick likely sticks around).IMO, losing Brady in the first quarter of the first game would be a pretty sound mulligan, especially if they end up 11-5 without him.Remaining schedule:NE: @OAK, ARI, @BUFNYJ: BUF, @SEA, MIAMIA: SF, @KC, @NYJBAL: PIT, @DAL, JAXIND: DET, @JAX, TENPIT: @BAL, @TEN, CLE

thanks for the replythey've needed LB and secondary help for a while now. We all knew Rodney was old and Asante was likely leaving by free agency. The LBers have been old for some time. A good player added here and there hasn't gotten it done. Why do you think they can't end concern at these positional groups? on a personal note-Hope all is well by you with the wicked storm and all

 

[Linus Scrimmage]

11 and 5 after losing Brady and all those injuries on defense?

Now let's imagine Manning goes down Week 1 for the season...

Do the Colts even have 5 wins right now? Unlikely.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Everyone in the AFC East played straight joke schedules anyway.

 

[CalBear]

Can NE beat Arizona? That's the real question here.

Pre-season, what do you think the odds would have been of this question being a reasonable one to ask?

 

[Steeler43]

Long story short for the Pats, they need to win out and not finish in a tie with anyone. Realistically, whichever team wins the MIA/NYJ needs to lose one of their other 2 games or the Pats are likely done. Unless teams start losing a lot more games than expected, Pats won't win a 2 or 3 team AFC East tiebreaker.

Pats will lose a tiebreaker with the Colts and Ravens, so either BAL or IND would have to lose TWICE for the Pats to be a wildcard (or PIT losing all 3 games).

Patc could be 11-5 and not make the playoffs.

Sweet.

 

[Shrek]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?

Pats just blame it on Brady getting hurt?

Entire season down?

this post doesn't make any sense as a reply to the previous

Yeah it does. The point is that your suggestion was pretty much what Pats fans have been saying all year. It's redundant. And if the Pats fans think that once Brady comes back they're right back on top again, they're kidding themselves. They have a lot more problems to fix than that.

 

[greenline]

Dallas and NE are so closely hinged in the playoff scenario it's funny. NE really needs Baltimore to lose to launch themselves in to the playoffs. With a Dallas win and NE winning out, they are in either as a division winner (3 seed) or a Wild Card (6 seed).

In week 16, NE has to beat Arizona.

Miami is going to beat KC.

NYJ is going to beat Seattle.

This leaves it in the hands of Dallas. The Cowboys need to beat Baltimore.

AND LET'S SAY Seattle were to beat NYJ -- if Miami beats NYJ in Week 17, they catapult in to that 3 seed with the division and would play Baltimore.

So as a Pats fan, I say GO COWBOYS!

 

[djcolts]

Now let's imagine Manning goes down Week 1 for the season...Do the Colts even have 5 wins right now? Unlikely.

The answer is...no, they wouldn't have 5 wins right now. Sorgi is much worse than Cassel - which was a quite a debate during the pre-season. Sorgi can't improvise when things go badly, and he doesn't have much of an arm, either. And it isn't like the Colts can run the ball very well, either, with 7 in the box - imagine them trying to run the ball with 8 in the box because defenses aren't scared of Sorgi's arm.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

How many wins does Cassell get playing Pittsburgh's schedule? Also -- who cares?

 

[Shrek]

How many wins does Cassell get playing Pittsburgh's schedule? Also -- who cares?

At last, someone has the balls to ask the most important question.

 

[Pots]

If the Pats and Cowboys don't make the playoffs, then what?

Bandwagon fans find a new team.

 

[ROCKET]

Everyone in the AFC East except New England played straight joke schedules anyway.

Fixed. The Pats played at Indy, SD and at home vs Pitt, Denver and AZ. On top of that they played Miami and the Jets twice.That's 8 games against playoff teams or teams with at least 9 wins and another game in SD. As a Pats fan of over 35 years I've never been prouder of any team than this years squad. They have been absolutely decimated with injuries at every position concievable and still have a shot at 11-5. That's with a roster that had ?'s to begin with going into the season. To me this season is BB's best coaching job. I'm hoping they sneak into the playoffs and somehow end up playing the Jets in round one.

 

[djcolts]

Everyone in the AFC East except New England played straight joke schedules anyway.

Fixed. The Pats played at Indy, SD and at home vs Pitt, Denver and AZ. On top of that they played Miami and the Jets twice.That's 8 games against playoff teams or teams with at least 9 wins and another game in SD. As a Pats fan of over 35 years I've never been prouder of any team than this years squad. They have been absolutely decimated with injuries at every position concievable and still have a shot at 11-5. That's with a roster that had ?'s to begin with going into the season. To me this season is BB's best coaching job. I'm hoping they sneak into the playoffs and somehow end up playing the Jets in round one.

The Jets, Pats and Fins play 14 of the same 16 teams on their schedule (6 division games, 8 non-division games). They only have 2 games that are different: Jets played Tenn and Cincy - Miami played Houston and Baltimore - NE played Pitt and Indy. NE's is harder for those 2 games overall - but only Cincy is a "joke" team out of those 6 teams.

 

[CowboyFan]

Dallas and NE are so closely hinged in the playoff scenario it's funny. NE really needs Baltimore to lose to launch themselves in to the playoffs. With a Dallas win and NE winning out, they are in either as a division winner (3 seed) or a Wild Card (6 seed).

In week 16, NE has to beat Arizona.

Miami is going to beat KC.

NYJ is going to beat Seattle.

This leaves it in the hands of Dallas. The Cowboys need to beat Baltimore.

AND LET'S SAY Seattle were to beat NYJ -- if Miami beats NYJ in Week 17, they catapult in to that 3 seed with the division and would play Baltimore.

So as a Pats fan, I say GO COWBOYS!

Cowboys are in the 5 spot right now and can't win the division, so they need to just win out, then nothing else matters. The only connection is Pats needing Baltimore to lose.

 

[eddie077]

I think its amazing the Pats are where they are all things considered.

They've lost their starting:

QB,(2)LB,SS,(2)other LB and numerous others

What team after those losses would be tied for the division lead?

Arguably Belichick's best coaching season ever, especially if they can get in to the playoffs.

Also they have started to get younger on D (Mayo, Woods, Guyton, Merriwether, Hobbs)

Just can't do it all at once. Its the injuries causing inconsistancy in the defense thats the problem.

Pats need to win out and

A Ravens loss (WC)

or

A Jets and Dolphins loss (NYJ play MIA week 17 so there's one)

to win the division.

PS Losman Sucks Buffalo had that game won (4 turnovers in the 4th quarter by Losman alone)

and why the heck are they throwing the ball there anyway?

 

[MDSkinner]

I think its amazing the Pats are where they are all things considered.They've lost their starting:QB,(2)LB,SS,(2)other LB and numerous othersWhat team after those losses would be tied for the division lead?Arguably Belichick's best coaching season ever, especially if they can get in to the playoffs.Also they have started to get younger on D (Mayo, Woods, Guyton, Merriwether, Hobbs) Just can't do it all at once. Its the injuries causing inconsistancy in the defense thats the problem.Pats need to win out andA Ravens loss (WC)orA Jets and Dolphins loss (NYJ play MIA week 17 so there's one)to win the division.PS Losman Sucks Buffalo had that game won (4 turnovers in the 4th quarter by Losman alone)and why the heck are they throwing the ball there anyway?

Oddly enough, I think there is a very realistic chance that both Miami and NYJ could lose this weekend. I am probably just fooling myself, but the last time that the Jets travelled across country they lost to Oakland...I would say Seattle is on par with Oakland and it just sucks to have to travel coast to coast. Week after week teams prove that. Then you have Miami going into KC. I have no idea what the weather will be like (yesterday was nice in KC, but today is cold with a wintery mix on the ground), and even though there is no team that knows how to lose a game like the Chiefs they have played a lot of good close games of late with Thigpen at QB. A warm weather team like the Phins could struggle. The division is definitely not out of the question for the Pats at this point.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I'm amazed that anyone would brag about a team being average.

 

[ROCKET]

Everyone in the AFC East except New England played straight joke schedules anyway.

Fixed. The Pats played at Indy, SD and at home vs Pitt, Denver and AZ. On top of that they played Miami and the Jets twice.That's 8 games against playoff teams or teams with at least 9 wins and another game in SD. As a Pats fan of over 35 years I've never been prouder of any team than this years squad. They have been absolutely decimated with injuries at every position concievable and still have a shot at 11-5. That's with a roster that had ?'s to begin with going into the season. To me this season is BB's best coaching job. I'm hoping they sneak into the playoffs and somehow end up playing the Jets in round one.

The Jets, Pats and Fins play 14 of the same 16 teams on their schedule (6 division games, 8 non-division games). They only have 2 games that are different: Jets played Tenn and Cincy - Miami played Houston and Baltimore - NE played Pitt and Indy. NE's is harder for those 2 games overall - but only Cincy is a "joke" team out of those 6 teams.

You just pointed out the huge difference in schedules. I'm going to argue that if The Jets or Dolphins had to play the Colts and Steelers they don't win either game. And I'll also go out on a limb and say if the Pats played Tenn/Cincy or Houston/Balt they would at worst split either matchup. So add to that the teams splitting the divisional games between each other and the easy games vs crapass team like the Raiders/49er's (oh that's right they beat the Jets) and those two non-divisional games decide who wins the AFCE. It is what it is and if the Pats don't win they have no one to blame but themselves but to ignore the schedule strength vs uncommon opponents is ridiculous. Can you honestly say the Pats didn't have a harder road to win the division?

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

No one to blame? But obviously everyone/everything is against you!

 

[greenline]

Dallas and NE are so closely hinged in the playoff scenario it's funny. NE really needs Baltimore to lose to launch themselves in to the playoffs. With a Dallas win and NE winning out, they are in either as a division winner (3 seed) or a Wild Card (6 seed).

In week 16, NE has to beat Arizona.

Miami is going to beat KC.

NYJ is going to beat Seattle.

This leaves it in the hands of Dallas. The Cowboys need to beat Baltimore.

AND LET'S SAY Seattle were to beat NYJ -- if Miami beats NYJ in Week 17, they catapult in to that 3 seed with the division and would play Baltimore.

So as a Pats fan, I say GO COWBOYS!

Cowboys are in the 5 spot right now and can't win the division, so they need to just win out, then nothing else matters. The only connection is Pats needing Baltimore to lose.

Dallas is not the 5 seed right now. Tampa Bay is. Dallas can still get in with a loss to Philly if both Atlanta and Tampa lose.

 

[greenline]

I'm amazed that anyone would brag about a team being average.

Who is average?

 

[Pots]

Cowboys are not related to the Patriots at all. Pats just need Baltimore to lose one of their last 2 games and win out.

Cowboys could care less what the Pats do.

 

[David Yudkin]

Cowboys are not related to the Patriots at all. Pats just need Baltimore to lose one of their last 2 games and win out. Cowboys could care less what the Pats do.

Given that the Ravens and Cowboys play each other, whoever wins will be looking good and whoever loses may not be looking good.

 

[CowboyFan]

Dallas and NE are so closely hinged in the playoff scenario it's funny. NE really needs Baltimore to lose to launch themselves in to the playoffs. With a Dallas win and NE winning out, they are in either as a division winner (3 seed) or a Wild Card (6 seed).

In week 16, NE has to beat Arizona.

Miami is going to beat KC.

NYJ is going to beat Seattle.

This leaves it in the hands of Dallas. The Cowboys need to beat Baltimore.

AND LET'S SAY Seattle were to beat NYJ -- if Miami beats NYJ in Week 17, they catapult in to that 3 seed with the division and would play Baltimore.

So as a Pats fan, I say GO COWBOYS!

Cowboys are in the 5 spot right now and can't win the division, so they need to just win out, then nothing else matters. The only connection is Pats needing Baltimore to lose.

Dallas is not the 5 seed right now. Tampa Bay is. Dallas can still get in with a loss to Philly if both Atlanta and Tampa lose.

Dallas beat Tampa, right now Dallas is 5, Tampa 6, and Atlanta is on the outside looking in. Win and in for the Cowboys, why try to figure out how to lose and get in?

 

[MDSkinner]

Cowboys are not related to the Patriots at all. Pats just need Baltimore to lose one of their last 2 games and win out.

Cowboys could care less what the Pats do.

I think you mean the Cowboys could NOT care less about what the Pats do, and if that is what you mean then I think you are right.However, the Pats could absolutely care less about what the Cowboys do this coming week. In fact I am not sure they could care more. If the Cowboys can beat the Ravens, it helps the Pats immensely in terms of getting into the playoffs (assuming the Pats win). The two are definitely related, it is just more of a one directional relationship.

 

[greenline]

Dallas and NE are so closely hinged in the playoff scenario it's funny. NE really needs Baltimore to lose to launch themselves in to the playoffs. With a Dallas win and NE winning out, they are in either as a division winner (3 seed) or a Wild Card (6 seed).

In week 16, NE has to beat Arizona.

Miami is going to beat KC.

NYJ is going to beat Seattle.

This leaves it in the hands of Dallas. The Cowboys need to beat Baltimore.

AND LET'S SAY Seattle were to beat NYJ -- if Miami beats NYJ in Week 17, they catapult in to that 3 seed with the division and would play Baltimore.

So as a Pats fan, I say GO COWBOYS!

Cowboys are in the 5 spot right now and can't win the division, so they need to just win out, then nothing else matters. The only connection is Pats needing Baltimore to lose.

Dallas is not the 5 seed right now. Tampa Bay is. Dallas can still get in with a loss to Philly if both Atlanta and Tampa lose.

Dallas beat Tampa, right now Dallas is 5, Tampa 6, and Atlanta is on the outside looking in. Win and in for the Cowboys, why try to figure out how to lose and get in?

Youre right. If it ended today. I am just looking at Week 16 and 17 as well.

 

[tombonneau]

Oddly enough, I think there is a very realistic chance that both Miami and NYJ could lose this weekend. I am probably just fooling myself, but the last time that the Jets travelled across country they lost to Oakland

This is not true: the last time the Jets traveled cross-country they lost to San Fran. I actually think they lose to Seattle and early line movement (5 to 4.5) confirms it. Both of those Jets lines (-3 @Oak and -3.5 @SF) were the biggest trap lines of the year with Joe Public Favre Lovers lining up to back their man "only needing to win by four". More of the same this week in Seattle.

 

[Shrek]

Everyone in the AFC East except New England played straight joke schedules anyway.

Fixed. The Pats played at Indy, SD and at home vs Pitt, Denver and AZ. On top of that they played Miami and the Jets twice.That's 8 games against playoff teams or teams with at least 9 wins and another game in SD. As a Pats fan of over 35 years I've never been prouder of any team than this years squad. They have been absolutely decimated with injuries at every position concievable and still have a shot at 11-5. That's with a roster that had ?'s to begin with going into the season. To me this season is BB's best coaching job. I'm hoping they sneak into the playoffs and somehow end up playing the Jets in round one.

The Jets, Pats and Fins play 14 of the same 16 teams on their schedule (6 division games, 8 non-division games). They only have 2 games that are different: Jets played Tenn and Cincy - Miami played Houston and Baltimore - NE played Pitt and Indy. NE's is harder for those 2 games overall - but only Cincy is a "joke" team out of those 6 teams.

You just pointed out the huge difference in schedules. I'm going to argue that if The Jets or Dolphins had to play the Colts and Steelers they don't win either game. And I'll also go out on a limb and say if the Pats played Tenn/Cincy or Houston/Balt they would at worst split either matchup.So add to that the teams splitting the divisional games between each other and the easy games vs crapass team like the Raiders/49er's (oh that's right they beat the Jets) and those two non-divisional games decide who wins the AFCE. It is what it is and if the Pats don't win they have no one to blame but themselves but to ignore the schedule strength vs uncommon opponents is ridiculous. Can you honestly say the Pats didn't have a harder road to win the division?

Right, because the Jets didn't hand the only undefeated team in the league at the time an ### whipping AT THEIR HOUSE. Gotcha.

 

[MDSkinner]

Oddly enough, I think there is a very realistic chance that both Miami and NYJ could lose this weekend. I am probably just fooling myself, but the last time that the Jets travelled across country they lost to Oakland

This is not true: the last time the Jets traveled cross-country they lost to San Fran. I actually think they lose to Seattle and early line movement (5 to 4.5) confirms it. Both of those Jets lines (-3 @Oak and -3.5 @SF) were the biggest trap lines of the year with Joe Public Favre Lovers lining up to back their man "only needing to win by four". More of the same this week in Seattle.

Excellent point and I should have been looking at their schedule when I typed this clearly. And obviously you agree with me in the sentiment that the Jets going cross country does not bode well for them. SF and Oakland definitely seem on par with Seattle to me. It would be a huge win for the Jets should then win it but if I am a Jets fan I am not banking on it at all. And if I am a Pats fan I am pretty pleased with the Jets remaining schedule.

 

[djcolts]

Everyone in the AFC East except New England played straight joke schedules anyway.

Fixed. The Pats played at Indy, SD and at home vs Pitt, Denver and AZ. On top of that they played Miami and the Jets twice.That's 8 games against playoff teams or teams with at least 9 wins and another game in SD. As a Pats fan of over 35 years I've never been prouder of any team than this years squad. They have been absolutely decimated with injuries at every position concievable and still have a shot at 11-5. That's with a roster that had ?'s to begin with going into the season. To me this season is BB's best coaching job. I'm hoping they sneak into the playoffs and somehow end up playing the Jets in round one.

The Jets, Pats and Fins play 14 of the same 16 teams on their schedule (6 division games, 8 non-division games). They only have 2 games that are different: Jets played Tenn and Cincy - Miami played Houston and Baltimore - NE played Pitt and Indy. NE's is harder for those 2 games overall - but only Cincy is a "joke" team out of those 6 teams.

You just pointed out the huge difference in schedules. I'm going to argue that if The Jets or Dolphins had to play the Colts and Steelers they don't win either game. And I'll also go out on a limb and say if the Pats played Tenn/Cincy or Houston/Balt they would at worst split either matchup. So add to that the teams splitting the divisional games between each other and the easy games vs crapass team like the Raiders/49er's (oh that's right they beat the Jets) and those two non-divisional games decide who wins the AFCE. It is what it is and if the Pats don't win they have no one to blame but themselves but to ignore the schedule strength vs uncommon opponents is ridiculous. Can you honestly say the Pats didn't have a harder road to win the division?

No - but that is the way it is - 1st place teams from the previous year have a tougher road - that is the way the system is designed. But, the only game out of the 6 non-common games that was against a "patsy" is the Jets vs. Cincy. Houston isn't a patsy (they are playing great ball right now), and the other 4 teams are in the playoffs or control their own destiny to make the playoffs.