Football betting took an unexpected turn on Sunday night as the New England Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins and fell out of the second seed in the AFC. That means New England will have to play the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card round instead of getting an expected week of rest that came with the bye.
This will be the first time New England has played in the Wild Card round since 2009 and just the fourth time since Bill Belichick took over in 2000. In 2005 they’d beat the Jaguars on Wild Card weekend but bow out in the Divisional Round against the Broncos. In 2006, they’d beat the Jets and Chargers, but lose in the Conference Championship to the Colts. Finally, in 2009 the Patriots would bow out immediately in the Wild Card game to the Ravens.
The history does not bode well for the Patriots Super Bowl chances, and a matchup against a former Patriot player Mike Vrabel and his collection of other former Patriot coaches and players appears to be a tough one.
The Titans are have a talented offense and a defense that knows how to play the Patriots offense. Following the Dolphins lead, the Titans are sure to take many gameplan elements that made Miami successful in the season finale.
New England will need their best team effort of the season. With the bye on the line their defense let them down after being the primary strength all season long. The one silver lining is that the Patriots should play angry and with something to prove.