Sizing up the Playoff Picture

As I watch the Patriots season I can help but be reminded of baseball seasons past. As an avid Red Sox fan the race for the pennant is always one that leaves fans on the edge of their seats, gasping for air and clutching their tall frosty ones until their fingers are sore. The Patriots are going to need Lady Luck if they're going to have a shot at the playoff picture. As of right the only thing New England fans can do is hope for the best. Even if the Pats can win the next two games (which they'll need) and finish off their season with a respectable 11-5 record there's no guaranteed in. The AFC East is looking more and more like the AL East from the MLB with NE, MIA, and NYJ acting the parts of BOS, TB, and NYY respectively. The question becomes what will it take for the Patriots to make the playoffs? The Cowboys defensive line, errr I mean... Baltimore dealt a devastating blow for all other's attempting to secure the final wild card position, as long as they beat the Jags next week the spot is theirs. Unless the Ravens drop their final game the only opportunity for the Pats to gain entry will be through their division rivals. The Dolphins and the Jets will play their final game against one another making a loss for either one of them today a potential playoff run-ender. All three teams in this race to the finish will play their week 17 games simultaneously which should be cause for all out play. The ideal scenario would be for both the Jets and Dolphins to lose today and the Patriots to win their next two games however if the Patriots are emulating the Red Sox we all know it's not going to be that easy. The more likely scenario will be one of the two teams losing today and then winning next week, again ideal. In conclusion New England fans break out whatever good luck charms you might be carrying, hope that Lady Luck and Mother Nature are in our corners and of course cross your fingers.