Pigskin Penultimatum

 So.

You're saying there's a chance?

Unfortunately, the playoffs do not start today; they won't start at all for the New England Patriots if they don't win in Buffalo next Sunday (or an unlikely trifecta of losses by the Dolphins to the Jets, the Steelers to the Browns, and the Titans to the Jaguars). So, yeah. 

There's a chance. 

It could happen.

Patriots "Reason To Believe" Playoff Scenarios

The Best Game Probability Scenario

The Patriots will need to play their best game of the season if they're going to pull off the upset in Buffalo. The good news is that the Patriots have yet to play their best game of the season. 

I mean, I've watched every game and well, they just couldn't have played their best game, yet, could they? Could they? Anyone? 

Okay. Let's just hope I'm right about this whole best game of the season thing.

The Apathetic Bison Scenario

Depending on how the Monday night game between the Bengals and Bills and how next Saturday's game between the Chiefs and the Raiders play out, Buffalo may have nothing on the line next Sunday. If that's the case, the Bills might be inclined to rest Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs (among others). 

The Bills would still be a tough out playing at home, of course. 

Josh Allen sitting out this game would hardly guarantee a win.

I suppose if Buffalo does rest its starters, a loss would be even more soul-crushingly disappointing. 

I guess this scenario should be filed in the "Be Careful What You Wish For" file.

The Defense Wins Championships Scenario

Their Defense has been, week to week, the best reason to believe in the Patriots. 

Remember, it isn't "Defense plus a league-average offense and a reliable punter wins championships." It's "Defense wins championships."

Which is a good thing for these New England Patriots, I suppose.

The Any Given Sunday Scenario

So.

You're saying there's a chance?

Go Pats!