The New England Patriots clinched a postseason berth in Week 16 and while they’re still aiming for the AFC’s top seed and lone first-round playoff bye, they’re currently in line to host a wild-card contest as the No. 2 seed.
MassLive’s group of five experts broke down who they believe would be the Patriots’ best and worst potential first-round matchups on Tuesday, with the quintet of columnists and reporters agreeing that the Buffalo Bills would present the most difficult task.
Columnist Matt Vautour was one of three experts to say the Los Angeles Chargers would be the best first round opponent but warned that one Bills player could “single-handedly” end New England’s season.
Somewhat surprisingly, it’s not reigning MVP quarterback Josh Allen.
“If Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, Will Campbell, Morgan Moses and TreVeyon Henderson are healthy, the Patriots can still beat the Cooks and their lousy receiving corps. But Cook could single-handedly end this magical season.,” Vautour wrote.
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Running back James Cook would be the biggest superstar on many other team’s rosters, but sharing the backfield with Allen has made the former second-round pick somewhat of an afterthought.
Cook was named a Pro Bowler for the third straight season on Tuesday, but when NFL fans think of Buffalo football, Allen is without a doubt the first player that comes to mind.
The Patriots wouldn’t underestimate Cook ahead of a potential playoff matchup though, as the 26-year-old helped rally his team to a 35-31 win over New England in Week 15. Cook finished the contest with a career-high-tying three total touchdowns, two coming on the ground and one through the air.
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The Georgia product finished the victory with 22 carries for 107 yards as well.
Though the Bills’ late-round playoff shortcomings are well-chronicled, it’s notable that they’ve won at least one postseason contest in five straight seasons.
As long as Allen and Cook are healthy, Buffalo would be a very difficult playoff battle for the Patriots.
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