Patriots’ Shocking Schedule Revelation Will Only Further Fuel Playoff Hopes
The New England Patriots are on fire right now. The team has ridden a six-game win streak to a 7-2 record, which is tied with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos for the top mark in the league. As a result, they are leading the pack in the AFC East, which has them holding the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture currently.
Much has been made of the Patriots’ return to prominence, and one of the biggest topics of discussion has been the team’s easy slate of opponents. To this point, New England has played the easiest schedule in the league, which some people believe is the main reason for the team’s 7-2 start.
It may seem like things are set to balance out for the team in the second half of the season, but that actually isn’t the case. Through nine games, the Pats have played the easiest schedule in the league, but over their remaining eight games, they are also currently set to play the easiest slate of opponents again.
On one hand, it’s fair to wonder how much the Patriots’ schedule has factored into their success, but it’s not as if they are struggling to take down inferior opponents. During their recent win streak, the only two teams that have really given them a run for their money were the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons.
Good teams win games they are expected to win, and that’s what New England has done. It’s also worth noting that the Pats kick-started their streak of success by taking down the high-powered Bills at Highmark Stadium in Week 5.
One big-time win doesn’t make a team a playoff contender, but the Patriots have continually proven that they are legit, regardless of what people want to say about their schedule. And those who feel the schedule is too light only need to take a look at Week 10, where New England will face off against the 6-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.