Countless sports radio, TV and blog commentators have noted that the Patriots did not beat any team with a winning record, implying that New England’s 13-3 season was not that strong.
But six teams which finished 8-8 would have had 9-7 winning records—the Broncos, Chargers Cowboys, Eagles, Jets and Raiders—if not for the Patriots beating them.
And some teams had winning records at the time they faced New England, only slipping below .501 after (or because of) playing the #1 AFC seed. Moreover, 8-8 was enough to win at least one division.
But six teams which finished 8-8 would have had 9-7 winning records—the Broncos, Chargers Cowboys, Eagles, Jets and Raiders—if not for the Patriots beating them.
And some teams had winning records at the time they faced New England, only slipping below .501 after (or because of) playing the #1 AFC seed. Moreover, 8-8 was enough to win at least one division.
