Getty Gallery: 4/6
No. 5 New England Patriots
For as much as we have discussed the deficiencies of the Patriots, no AFC team is going to look forward to playing them in the postseason. This is not the strongest New England team we have seen under Bill Belichick, but the team has a wealth of playoff experience. As long as Tom Brady is leading your team in January, you have a chance to make the Super Bowl.
The Patriots have officially punched their ticket to the postseason but still have some work to do to secure one of the top two seeds. New England holds the tiebreaker over the Texans. Even though the two teams are tied in the standings, the Patriots would be the No. 2 seed in the AFC if the postseason started today.
Prior to clinching a playoff berth, the Patriots' week has been overshadowed by the latest Josh Gordon setback. Just when Gordon had become an integral part of the Patriots offense, Gordon may have now played his last down of NFL football. Belichick still feels like the Patriots have enough weapons to win without Gordon, including wide receiver Phillip Dorsett.
“Phil’s tremendous,” Belichick told the Boston Globe. “He’s a tremendous kid, great teammate. I think he has everybody’s total respect in the locker room on everything — his preparation, the way he treats other people, how unselfish he is, how he’s always ready for his role. You saw that in the Super Bowl last year. So, I don’t think you could ask for any more than what he gives the team.”
The Patriots take on the Jets in Week 17 as they look to secure one of the top seeds in the AFC.
No. 6 Seattle Seahawks
How good are the Seahawks? As the team proved on Sunday night, Seattle can hang with anyone in the NFL, but the challenge is the Seahawks can finish no higher than No. 5 in the NFC. The Seahawks thrive at home but will be playing all their playoff games on the road.
The Seahawks appear to be on a collision course with the Cowboys on the opening weekend of the playoffs. Seattle defeated the Cowboys earlier this season. The Seahawks have the defense and rushing attack that will allow them to potentially make some noise in the postseason. Prior to the Seahawks clinching a playoff berth, Pete Carroll noted the team had no plans on coasting in Week 17 if they were able to secure a playoff spot.
“No, absolutely not,” Carroll explained to The Seattle Times. “If we couldn’t clinch, we might do what? No. Whatever that is no. We’re going to try and win a football game and we’ll do whatever we can.”
The Seahawks will take on the Cardinals in Week 17. If the Seahawks end up with the No. 6 seed instead of No. 5 they would likely play the Bears.