Raj: I’m actually very worried because to clinch homefield advantage, they will need to win out. The Broncos’ schedule the rest of the way is a joke and I can confidently say they have a better chance of winning out. Their only challenge is the Bengals in Cincinnati. For the Pats I don’t realistically see that happening because they play Indianapolis after the bye. Later on, they will play Green Bay in the Lambeau tundra. Oh did I forget to mention San Diego? That team is struggling but still dangerous at home. So the Patriots could be in for a rough ride. I’m thinking they’ll be able to win all their games but get tripped up by the Chargers. So my prediction is they will go 13-3, but Cincinnati is just too good at home so I think they can beat the Broncos too. Therefore, homefield advantage to the Patriots!
Rick: Ultimately, I have the Patriots finishing the season at 12-4. These next four games are going to be tough for the team with three of them being played on the road. I do think Belichick has the formula to force Andrew Luck into turnovers, but back-to-back road games against Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers in Weeks 13-14 is going to be tricky. I could see New England losing one of those games based on the travel and both of those teams having good success at home. The one they might also is Week 15 to the Dolphins. Keep in mind that Miami has won the last two meetings against the Patriots (both in Miami), but also had a 17-3 lead in Foxboro last season in the third quarter. For some reason, the Patriots have a hard time stopping Ryan Tannehill. That being said, a 12-4 record should be enough for the Patriots to have a first round bye in the playoffs.
Kyle: The final record will be 13-3. I think that is enough to get the #1 seed. I just can’t see them running the table without losing to either Indy or Green Bay away. If those games were in Foxboro, I’d say the Pats would pound them. They also play San Diego away- flying across the country after traveling to Green Bay. If they do run the table and finish 14-2, that would be mighty impressive.
Derek: I like the Patriots to win at home vs. Detroit, and to finish off the final three AFC East games with victories. The question then is how the Patriots will fair playing at Indy, at Green Bay, and at San Diego. The Patriots seems to have the Colts/Andrew Luck’s number. I don’t trust the Packers’ defense to stop the Patriots offense and a cold Lambeau field shoudn’t be a factor for the Pats. At San Diego is never an easy game for the Patriots, but after getting blanked 38-0 by the Dolphins, I have a hard time picking the Chargers to stop New England. 14-2 is the call, just like in 2003 when the Patriots rebounded from a disappointing 2-2 start to run the table all the way to the Super Bowl.
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