I was thinking that the Bengals will probably go at worse 5-3 in their remaining 8 games (tough games @ARI, @DEN, STL and PIT) and have a great chance to end up at 14-2. Denver’s schedule isn’t overly challenging, but they play both the Patriots and Cincy and will probably also end up at 13-3 at worse and have a legit chance at 14-2. I feel like the Denver game is kind of must win if the Patriots want to have a lock on the first seed and end the season 14-2 or better. What are your thoughts?

I think the wild card here is that as the weather gets worse it’s only going to exacerbate Peyton Manning’s inability to drive the ball. So you’ve got to wonder how much of a homefield advantage Denver will really even be for them. 

And also, we’re just hitting the halfway point of the season. There is so much football to be played, and unfortunately plenty of time for season-altering injuries. 

There will be a lot riding on the Pats-Broncos game and the matchup between Brady and the Denver D looks tantalizing. But imagine if it’s snowing or windy that game. Which team (and specially offense) will be better suited to deal with it? This is the game that Chandler Jones needs to dominate facing a third-string left tackle.

And the crazy part is will the Pats defensive gameplan flip from the last couple seasons where they dared the Broncos to run on them? This time around will the dare them to pass? I’m very curious.

All things being equal, the Patriots have the easiest schedule of the three top AFC teams. Doesn’t mean it will translate to the best record but they could still get the top seed even if they lose in Denver.