Scout's Take: How do Patriots match up with rest of AFC playoff field?

We’re on record as being big fans of scouts. They help us view the game from a different perspective, and provide some unique insight on what goes on in meeting rooms around the league. With that in mind, we asked former NFL scout Matt Williamson for his perspective on the five other playoff teams and how they would match up with the Patriots when it comes to a potential postseason matchup.


First, Williamson said the Patriots dodged a bit of a bullet when it comes to the 2017 playoffs.

“I think the Ravens or Chargers would have a better chance of beating the Patriots than the Bills or Titans. The two best teams didn’t get into those last two spots. The Chargers rush the passer really well, they have a No. 1 corner, they have a been-there quarterback in (Philip) Rivers. They’re a high-quality team with no kicking game to speak of. That’s why they didn’t make it. As for the Ravens, they’re unbeatable on special teams and good enough on defense to make things a little uncomfortable for the Patriots. I don’t like that offense, but they really wouldn’t be overwhelmed in Foxborough — maybe they could figure out a way to win a low-scoring game. But either one of them would still be able to give them a tougher game than Tennessee or Buffalo.”

Steelers: “I’m down here in Pittsburgh, and all we ever talk about is how the Patriots are the Steelers’ big brother. But I really believe Pittsburgh has a chance. In year’s past, I really didn’t think so. But the Steelers are healthy — hopefully, both teams would be healthy enough going into that game. Ben (Roethlisberger) is playing really well. The Steelers’ offense, right now with (Antonio) Brown coming back, is probably the best in the league. The Patriots front seven would frighten me — they can be exposed, especially at the linebacker position. I know the Steelers have tried to play more man lately against Brady, but the problem is no one can play man coverage against (Rob) Gronkowski, which is a big issue. I kind of feel like if these two teams meet in the AFC title game, it would simply come down to who has the ball last.”

Jaguars: “People are down on (Blake) Bortles the last two weeks, because they read the stat lines and think he’s back to being a crappy quarterback. But he’s playing better and making better decisions now. They’re still all about (Leonard) Fournette, though. I think they’re capable of running on the Patriots, and if you can keep the thing manageable and if Fournette can run, then it has the potential to be a game. Jacksonville can't fall behind by much early, because it's not really a quick-strike team. The other thing about that is that (Tom) Brady would get hit in that game. There’s no way around it. To get hit like he could get hit at the age of 40, maybe it doesn’t go so well. Their defense is really athletic and can match up against anyone well, and sometimes tries some different stuff. Maybe they stick (Jalen) Ramsey on Gronkowski? I mean, there's the real chance the Patriots could blow their doors off and Jacksonville is not ready for the big moment. But Brady is going to get hit if they play the Jags.”

Chiefs: “Kansas City has their number. There’s this great rock, paper, scissors thing in the AFC between the Patriots, Chiefs and Steelers: The Patriots beat the Steelers, the Steelers beat the Chiefs and the Chiefs beat the Patriots. I think Kansas City is close to playing like they did early in the season. They won’t be blown away by playing a big game in Foxborough, but that defense doesn’t travel well. If it’s Kansas City and the Patriots at Gillette, I'd pick New England to win that game.”

Titans: “I have a really hard time figuring out how the Titans would win a game in Foxborough. There is something to the idea of the unknown when it comes to (Marcus) Mariota being able to make plays with his legs, and the fact that the Patriots have had issues from time to time with mobile quarterbacks. I’m a big believer in Mariota, but I’m not a big believer in their scheme and staff. I don’t think they’re maximizing his talents. He’s still too easy to play against. He played well in Week 17, and maybe he’s turning the corner. But I still don’t see the way Tennessee would win that game.”

Bills: “I don’t buy the idea that you can’t beat a team three times in one year. It’s easy if you’re better than they are. If I arm-wrestled Rob Gronkowski three times, he would beat me three times. Basically, I think the Patriots would love to play the Bills, especially in New England. The only saving grace for Buffalo in that game would be if LeSean McCoy was healthy. I think the Bills could run on New England. He can be a handful. But that defense wouldn’t worry me much at all, maybe beyond the secondary. They’re not a playoff team — in truth, they’re about a six-win team.”