It’s not exactly a surprise,but the New England Patriots are right in the thick of things in the AFC East as we move deeper into the second month of the NFL season. But the NFL season is filled with ups and downs,and the second half of the New England Patriots Schedule is loaded with important matchups that will make or break the season for the Pats. Here’s a look at some of the marquee matchups for the second half of
the season.
Week 9,Giants at Pats:
After a brutal game against the Steelers,the Pats then have to come home for another very physical matchup with the New York Giants. You never know what you’re getting out of the Giants,but they’re capable of playing with anyone when they’re focused. With the Bills clearly much improved from last season and the Jets likely to come around at some point,the Pats will need to be able to beat teams like the Giants,a team that can rush the passer,throw the ball downfield and run the ball in crucial spots. Oh yeah,maybe you heard the Giants ruined the Pats’ perfect season a few years back.
Week 10,Pats at Jets:
The Jets struggled coming out of the gates this year,but don’t expect that to matter when they square off with the Pats in Week 10. Jets-Pats has become a major rivalry with the laconic Bill Belichick getting pitted against the outlandish Rex Ryan,who has helped raise the Jets from a struggling franchise to a team that believes it can win the Super Bowl. The Jets are probably going to come on strong and the Pats would love to finish them off to get the season sweep.
Week 12,Pats at Eagles:
True,the Philadelphia Eagles really struggled to start the season,but they’re still one of the most talented teams in the league and boast the electric Michael Vick as their quarterback. From here on out, the Eagles will be playing every game as if it’s their Super Bowl,including this crucial Week 12 matchup with the Pats. The Pats’ defense has been less than spectacular so far this season,and they’ll have to show some real signs of life in this one if they are to come out with a win.
Week 16,Dolphins at Pats:
After a long stretch without a divisional game,the Pats come home in Week 16 to take on the Dolphins, a team that is struggling this year to get wins but also a team that won’t lie down for the Patriots. The Patriots should have plenty on the line in this one and could need this game in order to put themselves in a position to clinch the division.
Week 17,Bills at Pats:
Possibly the biggest surprise of the NFL season has been the Buffalo Bills,a team with a complete lack of star power that came out firing in 2011. After losing to the Bills early in the season for the first time in about a decade,the Pats will be looking for some revenge and should have plenty of playoff implications on the line in the regular season finale.