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 if Diggs returns next season. While Maye has spread the ball around and elevated his pass catchers, games like the Bills matchup two weeks ago still show where an elite talent in it’s prime could make a difference in the offense. Plus, Diggs will turn 33 next year and has no guaranteed money in 2027, so he shouldn’t be counted on beyond next season.
With the injuries to the WR group, do you see them still using Williams as a KR for the rest of the year? – Mike337
Potentially to end the regular season as Williams will be elevated into a larger offensive role with Kayshon Boutte (concussion) likely out for at least Week 17 in addition to DeMario Douglas (hamstring) and Mack Hollins (abdomen) appearing on the injury report.
UDFA Efton Chism III could also have a larger offensive role as well these final two weeks, but Chism could additionally shift back to kick returner with RB D’Ernest Johnson to allow Williams to focus on offense.
Was Maye being turned loose to sling it on Sunday just a game situation or might it be a shift to a “pass-first” approach going forward? It was nice not to see those no-gainers up the middle quite as much. They also look good when they use the Pony look. Do you think we see more of that when Henderson returns? – ed.liebfried
The Ravens did enter the week with a stronger run defense, but I believe game script and the loss of TreVeyon Henderson were the biggest contributors to the pass-first approach — New England even had a 5-5 run/pass split on their first drive of the game.
As for the pony package, they’ve ran 50 plays this season with two backs sharing the field. There most common grouping has been regular 21 personnel (two backs, one tight end), where their 46 plays rank 12th most in football. It’s specifically led to success on the ground as they have the third highest EPA/rush (+0.47) out of 21 personnel. So yes, I’d expect them to keep sprinkling it in assuming the backs are healthy.
Will Campbell could technically play Week 18 Pats have Jets and Dolphins for the final 2 games. Broncos have KC and the Chargers. Should the Pats even consider playing him Week 18, or should they protect him from himself for an additional week with the easier path than Denver to a 1st rd bye, buying him more time to heal? – Sdceltsfan
If Campbell is close to full health and ready to go for Week 18, I’d lean towards letting him get his feet wet and not throwing him into the playoffs cold (especially with that Texans defense potentially being the round one matchup). The rookie left tackle is progressing well and Week 18 looks like a possibility.
Seems like the OL has been banged up and yet Marcus Bryant has been inactive for a bit now. What gives? – ghosthaus
Bryant has been passed over by Thayer Munford Jr, who Mike Vrabel praised on Wednesday for being more prepared and physical since coming back to the team this season. As for Bryant, here’s what else Vrabel had to say on the rookie recently:
“Just decided to go with Thayer. He’s helped us out a lot and it’s a good jumbo package. Marcus is working hard. We take eight to the game, we try to figure out what combination is best for each game. That could change next week, but Marcus has worked hard, and again, I think trying to improve.”
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
