Hours Before Kickoff: Week 16

In 2005, the Patriots “lost” the season finale to the Miami Dolphins. Because of that “loss,” the Pats hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card game instead of facing Pittsburgh.

Was it cowardly to throw a game to avoid playing the hottest team in the playoffs? You could say that. But it was also ingenious by head coach Bill Belichick to arrange the best match-up for his team.

With the playoffs just two weeks away and New England insured to play a Wild Card game, is there a team fighting to get in that would be the easiest prey for the Patriots in the first round?

A lot of probabilities have to work for certain teams to get in. But two of the teams that need help are the Patriots final two opponents, Jacksonville and Houston.

If the Pats win out, they may eliminate the Jaguars and Texans in the process. With that in mind, which of the remaining teams would be most desirable?

Denver – Personally I’d like to see the Patriots get another crack at the Broncos after they blew the regular season game. Since starting 6-0, Denver is 2-6. Though they’re reeling, they created the blueprint of doubling WRs Rand Moss and Wes Welker. Until the Pats have a consistent third target, they are at risk of blowing it against the Broncos a second time. Chances: Even

Baltimore – I’m sure LB Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense haven’t forgotten the week 4 loss that they attribute to favorable calls from the referees. Maybe if receiver Mark Clayton caught that pass for a first down, B-more wouldn’t have something to whine about. Chances: Even

Miami – Another game the Patriots blew as the offense scored just seven points in the second half. The Dolphins shut down Moss in the second half, but Miami had no answers for Welker all game long. Chances: Good

New York Jets – Head coach Rex Ryan thought his team was eliminated from the playoffs after last week’s loss. They play Indianapolis today. Ryan was just looking ahead. Too bad, because there isn’t a team playing worse now than the Jets. Chances: Excellent

Pittsburgh – If S Troy Polamalu isn’t available for the playoffs, the Steelers defense remains vulnerable. Keeping QB Ben Roethlisberger and the offense under control would be challenging. I suggest leaving just signed WR Joey Galloway open all the time and he will sink Pittsburgh single-handedly. Chances: Good

A few things I’m looking for:

Taylor Time: It’s a the game RB Fred Taylor circled on his calendar since the beginning of the year. He better show the Jaguars what they are missing.

Bookends: Jacksonville plays a pair of rookies at both offensive tackle positions. They’ve grown since the beginning of the season. Does the Patriots D have anything new to teach them?

Mike Sims-Walker: Went from an unknown to Jacksonville’s biggest threat. Will CB Shawn Springs get Walker for the afternoon?

The Jaguars will play with desperation, but they will make a key mistake that hands the game over to the Patriots.