Patriots' Playoff Record vs Teams That Beat Them in Regular Season Bodes Well for Chiefs, Ravens and Texans

Patrick Mahomes has thrown 25 touchdowns to four interceptions this season.
Patrick Mahomes has thrown 25 touchdowns to four interceptions this season. / Stacy Revere/Getty Images
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The New England Patriots haven't been known to enact playoff revenge on teams that got the better of them in the regular season.

All three of New England's losses this season are to AFC playoff teams. Fortunately for the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, the Patriots haven't had much success in the playoffs against teams they've already lost to in that regular season.

With a win on Sunday over the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots would clinch a first-round bye and will likely face Houston or Kansas City in the Divisional Round. Considering New England is a 16-point favorite over Miami in Week 17, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, it's fair to expect the Patriots will clinch a bye.

Assuming that happens, recent history suggests the Texans and Chiefs could actually have an advantage in a potential Divisional Round meeting.

The Patriots are 3-6 in playoff rematches against an opponent that already defeated them in the regular season, including five straight losses in such contests.

Should the Patriots buck this trend and advance to the AFC Championship, they'd likely have to contend with a Ravens team that defeated them back in Week 9.

Of course, it's tough to rule out Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but recent history suggests New England's run of three-straight Super Bowl appearances could come to an end this season.


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