New England Patriots: Ranking Possible AFC Playoff Opponents
By Nick Ziegler
The NFL Playoffs are close to being set in the AFC. Who are the toughest and easiest opponents that the New England Patriots might have to face in the playoffs?
It has been another successful season for the New England Patriots. With one game left on the schedule, they can secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Even though Tom Brady was suspended for the first four games of the season, the Patriots have been able to run through the AFC. With only two losses on the season, the Patriots will be going into the playoffs as the favorite to reach the Super Bowl from the AFC.
In recent weeks, playoff teams in the AFC have had some back luck. Most notably was the leg injury to Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Prior to Carr being injured, many would have said that they were the main competition to the Patriots in the AFC.
In addition to Carr being injured in Oakland, the Dolphins are also without their starting quarterback. Ryan Tannehill luckily didn’t completely tear the ligaments in his knee, but a severe sprain has him in danger of missing the postseason.
With some key injuries to teams in the AFC, the Patriots could be poised for another trip to the Super Bowl. Here is a ranking of all the teams in the AFC that they’ll possibly have to face in the playoffs.