Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots are officially back in the playoffs, but work remains as they look to close out the AFC East division during the final two weeks of the regular season. That will start with a matchup against the Jets, where a win paired with a Bills loss to the Philadelphia Eagles will clinch New England’s first division title since 2019 — and perhaps set up an opportunity for rest in Week 18.
With that, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Regardless of possibly being the #1 seed or winning the division, which team or teams in the AFC do you view as bad matchups for Pats? – Ricky Hot Pants
I am in the business of avoiding the best quarterbacks, so still would not want to play Josh Allen — even if the Bills do have many flaws around him as a team. But with the way James Cook is running the football and Allen’s ability to potentially take over games, there is always an opportunity for a repeat of Week 15.
Elsewhere, I’d like the Patriots’ odds vs. most of the AFC field. Going to Denver has always been a challenge for this franchise, but that was no issue for the Jaguars last week and I’m still not much of a believer in Bo Nix. Speaking of the Jags, I’m a big fan of Liam Coen and he has his team (and Trevor Lawrence) playing great football. Them — as well as the Chargers — coming to a cold Foxboro in January, however, would have me picking the Patriots.
Lastly, the Texans defense has proven to be a problem all year long led by a dynamic edge rushing duo in Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. That would be a scary matchup up front, but Houston’s offense has not been overly impressive this season. I’d imagine Drake Maye and Josh McDaniels could do enough against that defense to outscore C.J. Stroud and Nick Caley.
There is an out in 2026 on Diggs’ contract. I kinda think he has earned the last two years. Any chance Diggs does not suit up for NE in 2026? – 1stStateSoxFan
I think they bring [Diggs] back next season. Having said that, would the team be in a dire situation to find a “number 1” receiver if he left? I ask this because Maye seems to do a good job of spreading the ball around. – cf27
The Patriots have ‘outs’ in Diggs’ contract each of the next two offseasons. Releasing him after this year would free up $16.8 million in cap space with a $9.7 million dead cap hit. While I think there’s a “chance” he does not suit up in New England next season — perhaps due to the acquisition of a No. 1 in their prime and development of Kyle Williams — the prediction as of now would be that Diggs is back.
As for finding a No. 1, I think they should be in that business even...
