So for the third time in four years; the number one seed is once again the New England Patriots. In the first place, teams will come to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots for the playoffs.
Patriots are the Number One Seed in the AFC
With the Patriots win over the New York Jets on December 31, 2017; the teams in the AFC will be heading to Foxborough. Due to the tie breaker game in Pittsburgh against the Patriots and the Steelers, the Patriots are the number one seed in the AFC.
Patriots Home Field Advantage
When the New England Patriots play at home, they are 17 – 3 under Tom Brady. For more on Tom Brady’s career, visit my Tom Brady 201st N.E. Patriots Win post. With the year Tom Brady has had, as well as Dion Lewis and Rob Gronkowski; we can expect to see great things in the playoffs.
New England Patriots Divisional Opponent
After winning in Kansas City, the Tennessee Titans will be facing the New England Patriots. In the first place, this is Tennessee’s first time in fourteen years in the playoffs. Consequently, their last trip to Foxborough ended in a loss. Furthermore, Tennessee is the lowest-seeded AFC wild card team.
No doubt, Tennessee’s win against Kansas City was a surprise. Tennessee’s strength is running the ball and against the Patriots poor defense; this could be a challenge. However, the Titan’s defense won’t be a problem for the Patriots offense.
Keys to Saturday’s Divisional Match-Up
Since there has been a lot of discord in the news recently with the Patriots ownership, Belichick and Brady; can this game have an impact? In fact, in Brady’s last month of games; there were a lot of mistakes. Moreover, the Titans were underdogs in their match-up against the Chiefs; however they upset the Chiefs.
With Marcus Mariota’s mobility, could that pose a problem for the Patriots poor defense?
Although the Patriots are a favorite to win the Divisional match-up; anything is possible in a one game playoff. Of course, the Patriots are 9-1 in Divisional games; but will something change?
As always, I welcome your comments.
