5 Keyz: Patriots vs. Bills

From bostonsportz.com: 

Well it all comes down to this. When Brady went down this is probably about as high as Pats fans' expectations could've been, needing a win in the last game of the season to even have a chance at the playoffs. 

Still, the enjoyment of a playoff race is something that we haven't seen in a while around here. If the Pats do indeed miss the playoffs there are three games that can be noted as those responsible: losses to the Chargers, Colts and Steelers. All three of those teams will be in the playoffs (I'm giving the Chargers the benefit of the doubt) and the Pats could not beat any of them. 

While the loss to the Dolphins in week three and the Jets in November certainly didn't help, 4-2 in the AFC East will not be what derailed the 2008 Patriots. It was their inability to beat a single AFC playoff team outside their division. 

However, the Patriots seem to be peaking at the right time should they get into the playoffs. A Dolphins loss would mean a home game against the rookie QB-led Ravens for New England and a potential trip to Pittsburgh in the divisional round. This road to the AFC Championship would not be insurmountable, but they'll need to get in first. The Keyz to beating the Bills:

1. Make Their Special Teams Not So Special: The first thing out of Bill Belichick's mouth when talking up the Bills is how good their special teams are. While they are likely to be without Roscoe Parrish, this is still the area where the Bill could hurt the Pats the most. The Pats' special teamers will need to be on their game.

2. Don't Give Them A Sniff: A fast start will be essential for the Patriots. The Bills are only playing for pride, something that's a lot harder to do when you're in an early hole. If the Bills are able to get a lead they will be energized and start to believe that they could end their season on a two game win streak, while killing the Patriots playoff hopes. That's something that could be built off of next year. And something the Pats cannot allow. A ten point lead should be enough for the Bills to shut it down and start thinking about the golf course.

3. Pound It: Lamont Jordan and Sammy Morris are hitting on all cylindars at the right time of year. The Bills will want no part of a smash mouth football game, no matter what happens their season is already done. If the Pats come out and run the ball with authority it will demoralize the Buffalo effectively. If BenJarvus Green-Ellis could put up 100 yards back when the Bills were still in contention, the combination of Morris and Jordan should be able to control the ball all day long.

4. Welker All Over Them: Last time the two teams met Wes Welker had a career-high 10 receptions and yards (107). Look for the short passing game to be effective in what are looking to be inclimate weather. While Moss might be less of a threat with wind gusts expected, bubble screens and quick passes to Welker should keep the Bills defense on its heels.

5. Win: No question about this one, the Pats must win to even have a shot at the playoffs. Should they not get in 11-5 is still a respectable year considering it was done without Brady, Harrison, Adalius and the rest of the wounded. If the Patriots do get in, with their offense clicking and their defense coming together, they will be a team that no one will want to play.