Who will beat the Patriots? (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

Earlier this year, I said it was extremely unlikely that the Patriots would run the table, though I acknowledged they were the best team in football. But as each week passes, it seems that I was very wrong, and now I would say it's better than 60-40 that they will go 19-0.

Looking ahead:

AT BUFFALO: The Bills have played well of late, and perhaps their defense can slow down the Pats for a quarter or two. But they simply don't put up enough points to compete with New England. The Patriots win this by at least 2 touchdowns, possibly more.

PHILADELPHIA: Surprisingly one of the teams with the best shot at an upset, IMO. Excellent corners, good running game, and if McNabb brings his "A" game, they could be competitive. But the Eagles have been way too inconsistent on offense again this year, and just like Buffalo, it's extremely difficult to see them running with the Pats for 4 quarters. NE by at least 2 touchdowns.

AT BALTIMORE: Sounded like a tough game at the beginning of the year didn't it? Not anymore. A blowout.

PITTSBURGH: Now I am a Steeler fan, and I love how my team's playing. The problem is, they just don't match up well against NE. Bellichick will spread the ball around, and Pittsburgh won't be able to generate enough of a pass rush without blitzing. When they do blitz, Brady will get the ball to Welker or Faulk. When the Steelers have the ball, Bellichick will attempt to keep Ben in the pocket where he knows the pass rush will be effective against the Steelers' lousy Oline. The Steelers will put up points, and they will slow down NE a little, but not enough. A competitve game for 3 qtrs gets blown wide open in the 4th. NE, 35-20. Still, this game represents the likeliest loss for NE.

After Pittsburgh, NE most likely wraps up home field, leading to the key question: How will Bellichick coach the last three games with no playoff implications on the line? I have to beleive he goes for the undefeated record and immortality, though I could be wrong about this. But assumming the team continues to play hard with it's starters:

JETS: You gotta believe the Pats are looking to punish this team. But even if that's not the case, can anyone see the Jets winning? A blowout.

MIAMI: You know, if the Pats do have home field locked up, and if Miami has won a game by then, and if San Francisco still only has 2 wins...it would actually benefit NE to lose this game, in order to secure for themselves the #1 draft pcik next year. This thought won't occur to them, however. A blowout.

GIANTS- NY will be fighting for playoff position. They'll have a crazy crowd at home. They can generate a pass rush without blitzing; they may be the best in the NFL at this. But their secondary is just awful, and Brady will shred them. Their offense is inconsistent. This game will be over by the 2nd quarter. A blowout.

The Pats will skip the first week of the playoffs; then they will play one of the following teams: San Diego, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Cleveland. (Outside shot of Denver, KC, Buffalo). I don't need to break this down because not one of these teams is going to win in Foxboro or even come close. A blowout.

The AFC Championship Game will feature NE vs. the winner of Indy vs. Pittsburgh. I do happen to think the Steelers matchup very well against Indy, but that's a topic for another thread at another time. If it is Pittsburgh, see above for my comments; there won't be much difference in game 2.

If it's Indy, then I have to believe that the Colts can't play a better game than they did 2 weeks ago. This will be NE's most difficult game, or course, but I think they move the ball sooner and earlier this time. Also, Indy will NOT be healthy by the end of the year. Pats win this game going away.

That leaves the Superbowl. Ne plays Green Bay or Dallas. I believe its going to be Dallas. If you could combine Dallas' offense with Green Bay's defense, you might have something, but neither team by themselves can hang with NE for 4 quarters. In the tradition of most SBs, this will be a blowout.

So yes, it does look very much like New England will go 19-0 and be considered the greatest team of all time.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Earlier this year, I said it was extremely unlikely that the Patriots would run the table, though I acknowledged they were the best team in football. But as each week passes, it seems that I was very wrong, and now I would say it's better than 60-40 that they will go 19-0.Looking ahead:AT BUFFALO: The Bills have played well of late, and perhaps their defense can slow down the Pats for a quarter or two. But they simply don't put up enough points to compete with New England. The Patriots win this by at least 2 touchdowns, possibly more.PHILADELPHIA: Surprisingly one of the teams with the best shot at an upset, IMO. Excellent corners, good running game, and if McNabb brings his "A" game, they could be competitive. But the Eagles have been way too inconsistent on offense again this year, and just like Buffalo, it's extremely difficult to see them running with the Pats for 4 quarters. NE by at least 2 touchdowns.AT BALTIMORE: Sounded like a tough game at the beginning of the year didn't it? Not anymore. A blowout.PITTSBURGH: Now I am a Steeler fan, and I love how my team's playing. The problem is, they just don't match up well against NE. Bellichick will spread the ball around, and Pittsburgh won't be able to generate enough of a pass rush without blitzing. When they do blitz, Brady will get the ball to Welker or Faulk. When the Steelers have the ball, Bellichick will attempt to keep Ben in the pocket where he knows the pass rush will be effective against the Steelers' lousy Oline. The Steelers will put up points, and they will slow down NE a little, but not enough. A competitve game for 3 qtrs gets blown wide open in the 4th. NE, 35-20. Still, this game represents the likeliest loss for NE.After Pittsburgh, NE most likely wraps up home field, leading to the key question: How will Bellichick coach the last three games with no playoff implications on the line? I have to beleive he goes for the undefeated record and immortality, though I could be wrong about this. But assumming the team continues to play hard with it's starters:JETS: You gotta believe the Pats are looking to punish this team. But even if that's not the case, can anyone see the Jets winning? A blowout.MIAMI: You know, if the Pats do have home field locked up, and if Miami has won a game by then, and if San Francisco still only has 2 wins...it would actually benefit NE to lose this game, in order to secure for themselves the #1 draft pcik next year. This thought won't occur to them, however. A blowout.GIANTS- NY will be fighting for playoff position. They'll have a crazy crowd at home. They can generate a pass rush without blitzing; they may be the best in the NFL at this. But their secondary is just awful, and Brady will shred them. Their offense is inconsistent. This game will be over by the 2nd quarter. A blowout.The Pats will skip the first week of the playoffs; then they will play one of the following teams: San Diego, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Cleveland. (Outside shot of Denver, KC, Buffalo). I don't need to break this down because not one of these teams is going to win in Foxboro or even come close. A blowout.The AFC Championship Game will feature NE vs. the winner of Indy vs. Pittsburgh. I do happen to think the Steelers matchup very well against Indy, but that's a topic for another thread at another time. If it is Pittsburgh, see above for my comments; there won't be much difference in game 2.If it's Indy, then I have to believe that the Colts can't play a better game than they did 2 weeks ago. This will be NE's most difficult game, or course, but I think they move the ball sooner and earlier this time. Also, Indy will NOT be healthy by the end of the year. Pats win this game going away.That leaves the Superbowl. Ne plays Green Bay or Dallas. I believe its going to be Dallas. If you could combine Dallas' offense with Green Bay's defense, you might have something, but neither team by themselves can hang with NE for 4 quarters. In the tradition of most SBs, this will be a blowout.So yes, it does look very much like New England will go 19-0 and be considered the greatest team of all time.

Outside of being seven weeks late to the party,

 

[Jaysus]

MIAMI: You know, if the Pats do have home field locked up, and if Miami has won a game by then, and if San Francisco still only has 2 wins...it would actually benefit NE to lose this game, in order to secure for themselves the #1 draft pcik next year. This thought won't occur to them, however. A blowout.

that made me giggle!

 

[sholditch]

It's the steelers or no one. And I say it's the Steelers. That record has stood for 30 years for a reason.

 

[Steelnation]

 

[wtfhx]

Week 16 will be the biggest upset in the history of the NFL. Pats 15-0 vs Miami 0-15...... Brady will get hit very hard by either ZT or JT during the first half, will fumble the ball and there goes Fins first TD. Brady will be forced to leave the game due to back injury with a 21-7 lead. Then, Miami will pull a victory. Fins will win 31-28. Feeley will kick a 55 yarder game winner after Tedd Jinn recovers an onside kick. Hey, you heard it here in The Shark Pool first!

 

[barista]

as a Packer fan and a football fan I'll agree...here's to truth justice and the american way.

 

[switz]

Buffalo wins this week.

 

[Giants4Life]

Giants make the most sense. They have the pass rush. They also will be playing for something Week 17. The Patriots will not (They arent going to play their starters a full game. They want a Super Bowl)

And if you remember, the Giants ended the Broncos undefeated run a few years ago.

I'm not biased or anything though.

 

[PatsFanCT]

Week 16 vs Miami...... Brady will get hit very hard by either ZT or JT during the first half and force him to leave the game with a 21-0 lead. Then, Miami will pull a victory. Chattman and Ted Jinn will have a big game, but Feely will kick the game winner. Fins will win 31-28. Hey, you heard it here in The Shark Pool first!

Is that Ted Jinn gr.?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Giants make the most sense. They have the pass rush. They also will be playing for something Week 17. The Patriots will not (They arent going to play their starters a full game. They want a Super Bowl)And if you remember, the Giants ended the Broncos undefeated run a few years ago. I'm not biased or anything though.

The Giants would make the most sense if they had a different Manning QB.

 

[wtfhx]

Week 16 vs Miami...... Brady will get hit very hard by either ZT or JT during the first half and force him to leave the game with a 21-0 lead. Then, Miami will pull a victory. Chattman and Ted Jinn will have a big game, but Feely will kick the game winner. Fins will win 31-28. Hey, you heard it here in The Shark Pool first!

Is that Ted Jinn gr.?

Just modified my reply...

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

if they do run the table they really should be considered the greatest of all time. teams used to be able to stack the deck with talent(and keep it) and spend what the wanted. the salary cap and Free Agency stripped all of that. a team before the mid 90's(when Free agency/salary cap started) should have accomplished this feat if it was to be matched. the nfl and select teams used to be like the yankees and red sox in MLB today with no limits. now each year we have a doormat to champion scenario goin on every year

 

[Ack88]

As much as it pains me to say it, the Pats are going to run the table.

It's a shame, too, as my Cowboys are probably the second best team in the league this year.

The Pats simply have too much firepower on offense.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Notwithstanding Chase's prior exhaustive analysis, you guys are doing exactly what everybody complains about the media doing: crowning them prematurely.

I'm a borderline whiney tool Pats fan, but this is nuts.

Assume NE has a 75% chance of beating each team it plays. That equates to a less than 20% chance that they run the table. Conversely, to say that the odds are in their favor requires you to believe that no team has more than a 10% chance of beatinig them, which again is ridiculous.

Dont be surprised if Buffalo shocks the world (although I doubt it).

 

[Chase Stuart]

19-0 and it's not even close.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

Assume NE has a 75% chance of beating each team it plays. That equates to a less than 20% chance that they run the table. Conversely, to say that the odds are in their favor requires you to believe that no team has more than a 10% chance of beatinig them, which again is ridiculous.

I don't see a published moneyline on this week's game, but based on the moneyline on 10-point favorites (Pats are favored by 15), I'd guess the true odds are considered about 90%.I'll assume:90% @ Bills90% Eagles85% @ Ravens75% Steelers95% Jets95% Dolphins80% @ GiantsThat yields a 33% chance that they go undefeated.The sportsbook I just checked is giving them a 40% chance to go undefeated, which sounds about right.Let's not forget: they almost to an injury-depleted Colts team. They are very, very, very good. But beating up on teams with no defense isn't the same as beating up on great teams. The Steelers and the Giants will be very tough games.

 

[massraider]

The real question on everyone's mind: Will Belichick lay off Brady towards the end of the year, endangering the playoff hopes and financial security of his fantasy owners?

Yeah, I don't see anyone beating them. I also didn't see anyone knocking off the bears in '85. I think they'll lose one. maybe the Giants. maybe the Steelers.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Who will beat the Patriots?

A: The refs.

 

[switz]

19-0 and it's not even close.

I don't see how you can definitively stat that when they've been nearly beaten twice, by teams not at the top of their game. What happens when they run into a strong contender that is healthy and has seen the game plan that works against them? What happens when Moss and Stallworth both pull up lame (as they both are prone to)? What happens if they take an OL injury and Tom doesn't get the 23 seconds to throw that he has now?I think you are counting your eggs before they've hatched

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Colts in the AFC title game.

And even if they do go 19-0, I won't think this team is better than a couple of the 70's Pittsburgh teams.

 

[Gr00vus]

Buffalo wins this week.

Expain.

 

[TD Ryan]

Who will beat the Patriots?

A: The refs.

If you're into conspiracies, this is a juicy one. The bookmakers don't lose often, but NE can and has already cost them dearly.

Yeah, I don't see anyone beating them. I also didn't see anyone knocking off the bears in '85.

 

[Berger]

Notwithstanding Chase's prior exhaustive analysis, you guys are doing exactly what everybody complains about the media doing: crowning them prematurely.I'm a borderline whiney tool Pats fan, but this is nuts.Assume NE has a 75% chance of beating each team it plays. That equates to a less than 20% chance that they run the table. Conversely, to say that the odds are in their favor requires you to believe that no team has more than a 10% chance of beatinig them, which again is ridiculous.Dont be surprised if Buffalo shocks the world (although I doubt it).

Assume NE has a 75% chance of beating each team it plays. That equates to a less than 20% chance that they run the table. Conversely, to say that the odds are in their favor requires you to believe that no team has more than a 10% chance of beatinig them, which again is ridiculous.

I don't see a published moneyline on this week's game, but based on the moneyline on 10-point favorites (Pats are favored by 15), I'd guess the true odds are considered about 90%.I'll assume:90% @ Bills90% Eagles85% @ Ravens75% Steelers95% Jets95% Dolphins80% @ GiantsThat yields a 33% chance that they go undefeated.The sportsbook I just checked is giving them a 40% chance to go undefeated, which sounds about right.Let's not forget: they almost to an injury-depleted Colts team. They are very, very, very good. But beating up on teams with no defense isn't the same as beating up on great teams. The Steelers and the Giants will be very tough games.

These are the correct answers.

 

[thehornet]

19-0 and it's not even close.

I don't see how you can definitively stat that when they've been nearly beaten twice, by teams not at the top of their game. What happens when they run into a strong contender that is healthy and has seen the game plan that works against them? What happens when Moss and Stallworth both pull up lame (as they both are prone to)? What happens if they take an OL injury and Tom doesn't get the 23 seconds to throw that he has now?I think you are counting your eggs before they've hatched

The Steelersare the best team left on the Pats schedule (aside from giants) and they will probably beat them by 3 touchdowns. And that is definitive.

 

[Zoomanji]

Buffalo wins this week.

Expain.

The Pats will lose to a team they should not lose to. Buf., Mia and Philly are the most likely candidates. Buf will have a hard time with NE coming of the bye but MAYBE they will be overconfident. (doubtful).Phily or Mia could sneak up on them IMO.NYG- no way if they are 15-0 at that point they will not let off.Pit- No way, one of the teams they may likely face in the playoffs, they will be up to beat the SteelersNYJ- No way, payback for cameragate. I could see BB try to put up 100 in that one

 

[Gr00vus]

NYJ- No way, payback for cameragate. I could see BB try to put up 100 in that one

That one could get very very ugly. If the Pats start running up the score, I could see some bounty type stuff being winked at on the Jets sideline. The Pats will have to be careful in that one.

 

[Chase Stuart]

NYJ- No way, payback for cameragate. I could see BB try to put up 100 in that one

That one could get very very ugly. If the Pats start running up the score, I could see some bounty type stuff being winked at on the Jets sideline. The Pats will have to be careful in that one.

Of the two teams, only one of them is known to play dirty.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Who will beat the Patriots?

A: The refs.

If you're into conspiracies, this is a juicy one. The bookmakers don't lose often, but NE can and has already cost them dearly.

Goddell won't let that happen to his trophy team.

 

[Kosar]

Not sure who, but they will lose in the regular season. It's so obvious that they can't lose that they will lose.

 

[phthalatemagic]

I'm a borderline whiney tool Pats fan, but this is nuts.

 

[Gr00vus]

NYJ- No way, payback for cameragate. I could see BB try to put up 100 in that one

That one could get very very ugly. If the Pats start running up the score, I could see some bounty type stuff being winked at on the Jets sideline. The Pats will have to be careful in that one.

Of the two teams, only one of them is known to play dirty.

Agreed. There's a first time for everything though, and if the Pats do run up the score or try to rub the Jets' noses in it in some way I'd think it quite possible that all bets would be off at that point.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I'm a borderline whiney tool Pats fan, but this is nuts.

And a pleasant good day to you sir!

 

[renesauz]

I've been saying for weeks that it will be a team LIKE the Eagles to beat them. I still think that Philly has opne of the better chances IF THEY HAVE THEIR SECONDARY HEALTHY....a big if. Oh...and McNabb has to regain his pro-bowl form.

Oh...and Westy has to stay healthy.

OK...so the Pats have at least a 50-50 shot at being unbeaten...but hardly a mortal lock. Pittsburgh, Philly and the G-men will all have a legitamate CHANCE.

 

[Statcruncher]

I think the Pats only have to worry about 3 teams; Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Indy. Due to injuries I don't think Indy or Dallas were able to give New England a complete effort. Dallas' D is finally healthy and Terry Glenn could be back in a couple of weeks, just in time to get up to speed for the playoffs. With Indy you can't tell me they don't have a better team when Harrison gets back on the field. In a rematch with either of these teams at full strength I think New England is lucky to win 5 out of 10. Don't get me wrong, they are a great team that is clicking on all cylinders. However I don't think they are a lock to win out. They have a better shot to win out than any NFL team I've ever seen including the '85 Bears (I've been a Bears homer since the early 70's) but I just don't see them making it. I think they can run the regular season but the AFC championship and Super Bowl get dicey.

 

[timschochet]

Look, it sounds great to come up with these odds and stipulate that overall their chances are less than 50/50. I'm sure that mathematically, that is correct. The problem is, as I noted in my OP, WHO is going to beat them? You can't just say, well this team's got a chance, or that teams got a chance. Heck, they've all got a chance, this is the NFL, it's not like College football where sometimes you see spreads of 40 (and even there, look who Michigan lost to in their first game!) One game of football is an extremenly short sample and EVERY NFL team is loaded with star players. So, yes, the Pats could lose any given week.

That being said, can you EXPECT any of these teams to beat them? I certainly can't. I wish my Steelers would, but as I wrote, they don't match up well. And they've got the best shot. You don't seriously think the Giants team that struggled against Miami and lost to Dallas really has a shot, do you? And all the other games are blowouts.

Mark it down, it will be 19-0, and I SO wish I was wrong about this...(but I'm not.)

 

[twitch]

I think there are still 2 teams that can beat NE out for the top pick. Miami and the Jets. I think Oakland will win a couple more games as will the Jets. And St Louis will beat the Niners. NE will be drafting 3rd overall next year.

 

[timschochet]

I think the Pats only have to worry about 3 teams; Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Indy. Due to injuries I don't think Indy or Dallas were able to give New England a complete effort. Dallas' D is finally healthy and Terry Glenn could be back in a couple of weeks, just in time to get up to speed for the playoffs. With Indy you can't tell me they don't have a better team when Harrison gets back on the field. In a rematch with either of these teams at full strength I think New England is lucky to win 5 out of 10. Don't get me wrong, they are a great team that is clicking on all cylinders. However I don't think they are a lock to win out. They have a better shot to win out than any NFL team I've ever seen including the '85 Bears (I've been a Bears homer since the early 70's) but I just don't see them making it. I think they can run the regular season but the AFC championship and Super Bowl get dicey.

If they do go 16-0 I can't imagine them losing in the playoffs. It would be considered the greatest collapse in NFL history...

 

[twitch]

Look, it sounds great to come up with these odds and stipulate that overall their chances are less than 50/50. I'm sure that mathematically, that is correct. The problem is, as I noted in my OP, WHO is going to beat them? You can't just say, well this team's got a chance, or that teams got a chance. Heck, they've all got a chance, this is the NFL, it's not like College football where sometimes you see spreads of 40 (and even there, look who Michigan lost to in their first game!) One game of football is an extremenly short sample and EVERY NFL team is loaded with star players. So, yes, the Pats could lose any given week.That being said, can you EXPECT any of these teams to beat them? I certainly can't. I wish my Steelers would, but as I wrote, they don't match up well. And they've got the best shot. You don't seriously think the Giants team that struggled against Miami and lost to Dallas really has a shot, do you? And all the other games are blowouts.Mark it down, it will be 19-0, and I SO wish I was wrong about this...(but I'm not.)

Brady's never lost at the Meadowlands. He's something like 8 or 9-0. That Giants game would be a big upset. Your Steelers definitely have the best shot. They just need to play a clean game from the getgo and force NE into some mistakes. NE's obviously not going to be easy to beat, but I dont see it being all that impossible for a good Steelers team.

 

[Gr00vus]

NE will be drafting 3rd overall next year.

I bet they don't. I think they'll end up trading that pick unless they lose a key player for good in going forward. There's no way they take on the salary that comes with a #3 pick at this point. Their best move would be to trade it for picks in future years to restock the cupboards.

 

[Statcruncher]

I think the Pats only have to worry about 3 teams; Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Indy. Due to injuries I don't think Indy or Dallas were able to give New England a complete effort. Dallas' D is finally healthy and Terry Glenn could be back in a couple of weeks, just in time to get up to speed for the playoffs. With Indy you can't tell me they don't have a better team when Harrison gets back on the field. In a rematch with either of these teams at full strength I think New England is lucky to win 5 out of 10. Don't get me wrong, they are a great team that is clicking on all cylinders. However I don't think they are a lock to win out. They have a better shot to win out than any NFL team I've ever seen including the '85 Bears (I've been a Bears homer since the early 70's) but I just don't see them making it. I think they can run the regular season but the AFC championship and Super Bowl get dicey.

If they do go 16-0 I can't imagine them losing in the playoffs. It would be considered the greatest collapse in NFL history...

If they go 16-0 but lose to the reigning Super Bowl champion Colts it would be the greatest collapse in NFL history? I don't see how that qualifies.

 

[MCguidance]

Giants make the most sense. They have the pass rush. They also will be playing for something Week 17. The Patriots will not (They arent going to play their starters a full game. They want a Super Bowl)And if you remember, the Giants ended the Broncos undefeated run a few years ago. I'm not biased or anything though.

I respect your passion, but if you think think they wont play their starters for a full four quarters after being 15-0 and on the verge of history, you're wrong.

 

[freelander]

Earlier this year, I said it was extremely unlikely that the Patriots would run the table, though I acknowledged they were the best team in football. But as each week passes, it seems that I was very wrong, and now I would say it's better than 60-40 that they will go 19-0.

Looking ahead:

AT BUFFALO: The Bills have played well of late, and perhaps their defense can slow down the Pats for a quarter or two. But they simply don't put up enough points to compete with New England. The Patriots win this by at least 2 touchdowns, possibly more.

PHILADELPHIA: Surprisingly one of the teams with the best shot at an upset, IMO. Excellent corners, good running game, and if McNabb brings his "A" game, they could be competitive. But the Eagles have been way too inconsistent on offense again this year, and just like Buffalo, it's extremely difficult to see them running with the Pats for 4 quarters. NE by at least 2 touchdowns.

AT BALTIMORE: Sounded like a tough game at the beginning of the year didn't it? Not anymore. A blowout.

PITTSBURGH: Now I am a Steeler fan, and I love how my team's playing. The problem is, they just don't match up well against NE. Bellichick will spread the ball around, and Pittsburgh won't be able to generate enough of a pass rush without blitzing. When they do blitz, Brady will get the ball to Welker or Faulk. When the Steelers have the ball, Bellichick will attempt to keep Ben in the pocket where he knows the pass rush will be effective against the Steelers' lousy Oline. The Steelers will put up points, and they will slow down NE a little, but not enough. A competitve game for 3 qtrs gets blown wide open in the 4th. NE, 35-20. Still, this game represents the likeliest loss for NE.

After Pittsburgh, NE most likely wraps up home field, leading to the key question: How will Bellichick coach the last three games with no playoff implications on the line? I have to beleive he goes for the undefeated record and immortality, though I could be wrong about this. But assumming the team continues to play hard with it's starters:

JETS: You gotta believe the Pats are looking to punish this team. But even if that's not the case, can anyone see the Jets winning? A blowout.

MIAMI: You know, if the Pats do have home field locked up, and if Miami has won a game by then, and if San Francisco still only has 2 wins...it would actually benefit NE to lose this game, in order to secure for themselves the #1 draft pcik next year. This thought won't occur to them, however. A blowout.

GIANTS- NY will be fighting for playoff position. They'll have a crazy crowd at home. They can generate a pass rush without blitzing; they may be the best in the NFL at this. But their secondary is just awful, and Brady will shred them. Their offense is inconsistent. This game will be over by the 2nd quarter. A blowout.

The Pats will skip the first week of the playoffs; then they will play one of the following teams: San Diego, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Cleveland. (Outside shot of Denver, KC, Buffalo). I don't need to break this down because not one of these teams is going to win in Foxboro or even come close. A blowout.

The AFC Championship Game will feature NE vs. the winner of Indy vs. Pittsburgh. I do happen to think the Steelers matchup very well against Indy, but that's a topic for another thread at another time. If it is Pittsburgh, see above for my comments; there won't be much difference in game 2.

If it's Indy, then I have to believe that the Colts can't play a better game than they did 2 weeks ago. This will be NE's most difficult game, or course, but I think they move the ball sooner and earlier this time. Also, Indy will NOT be healthy by the end of the year. Pats win this game going away.

That leaves the Superbowl. Ne plays Green Bay or Dallas. I believe its going to be Dallas. If you could combine Dallas' offense with Green Bay's defense, you might have something, but neither team by themselves can hang with NE for 4 quarters. In the tradition of most SBs, this will be a blowout.

So yes, it does look very much like New England will go 19-0 and be considered the greatest team of all time*.

fixed

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Earlier this year, I said it was extremely unlikely that the

So yes, it does look very much like New England will go 19-0 and be considered the greatest team of all time*.

fixed

Stinky bait.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Look, it sounds great to come up with these odds and stipulate that overall their chances are less than 50/50. I'm sure that mathematically, that is correct. The problem is, as I noted in my OP, WHO is going to beat them? You can't just say, well this team's got a chance, or that teams got a chance. Heck, they've all got a chance, this is the NFL, it's not like College football where sometimes you see spreads of 40 (and even there, look who Michigan lost to in their first game!) One game of football is an extremenly short sample and EVERY NFL team is loaded with star players. So, yes, the Pats could lose any given week.That being said, can you EXPECT any of these teams to beat them? I certainly can't. I wish my Steelers would, but as I wrote, they don't match up well. And they've got the best shot. You don't seriously think the Giants team that struggled against Miami and lost to Dallas really has a shot, do you? And all the other games are blowouts.Mark it down, it will be 19-0, and I SO wish I was wrong about this...(but I'm not.)

You say you understand how the laws of probability work, then say you don't understand how they work?

 

[timschochet]

Look, it sounds great to come up with these odds and stipulate that overall their chances are less than 50/50. I'm sure that mathematically, that is correct. The problem is, as I noted in my OP, WHO is going to beat them? You can't just say, well this team's got a chance, or that teams got a chance. Heck, they've all got a chance, this is the NFL, it's not like College football where sometimes you see spreads of 40 (and even there, look who Michigan lost to in their first game!) One game of football is an extremenly short sample and EVERY NFL team is loaded with star players. So, yes, the Pats could lose any given week.That being said, can you EXPECT any of these teams to beat them? I certainly can't. I wish my Steelers would, but as I wrote, they don't match up well. And they've got the best shot. You don't seriously think the Giants team that struggled against Miami and lost to Dallas really has a shot, do you? And all the other games are blowouts.Mark it down, it will be 19-0, and I SO wish I was wrong about this...(but I'm not.)

You say you understand how the laws of probability work, then say you don't understand how they work?

No, of course I understand how they work. The odds obviously suggest there will be a loss for the Pats at some point. I just have trouble with coming up with that loss, that's all. The point of this thread was to project who they would lose to, and frankly, I can't see any of these teams beating them.Look, if Mike Tyson at his peak fought 1000 club fighters in a row, the rules of probability are that eventually one of them would beat him. But could you possibly single out which one beforehand? Though the odds in this case are a lot closer, the same principle applies...

 

[freelander]

Earlier this year, I said it was extremely unlikely that the

So yes, it does look very much like New England will go 19-0 and be considered the greatest team of all time*.

fixed

Stinky bait.

whiny tool

 

[eom]

AT BALTIMORE: Sounded like a tough game at the beginning of the year didn't it?

no

 

[eom]

I think there are still 2 teams that can beat NE out for the top pick. Miami and the Jets. I think Oakland will win a couple more games as will the Jets. And St Louis will beat the Niners. NE will be drafting 3rd overall next year.

miami wins 2 of these 3:buffalojetsbaltwho does oakland beat?who do the jets beat?

 

[OldMilwaukee]

My Bills will have a good chance this weekend.

Don't turn this game off after the first quarter!!

Buffalo's D is playing great of late, and Juron has decided to go with JP to exploite the NE secondary. At home in the snow..............is there a really a team with a better chance than the Bill's this weekend?

Not saying I would put money on this game, but I do believe Buffalo has the best chance.

Ok I am taking the points.