I believe I heard (or read) that the Patriots would've clinched a first round bye with a Houston loss tonight. If that's the case, then they have done just that. If you back away from all of this, prior to this past Sunday the Patriots weren't even in control of their destiny for a first-round bye, heck, a number one seed. All the stars just mysteriously aligned for the Pats and: The Ravens (#1 seed at the time) The Texans (#2 seed), and Steelers (would have #1 seed if they win out and win division, needing a Ravens loss) ALL lose. Well, the Texans lost twice. Once to Carolina and again to the Colts (in which I slept through the entire game, and I miss a thriller). Like seriously, how does this happen? Did Santa come really early for the Patriots or something? Just wanted to point it out. Well, I guess I'll do what I did last postseason: Pray that just somebody comes into Foxboro and unexpectedly knocks them out, because I have them written in to represent the AFC in Indy come February (yuck). I like listening to Patriots talk radio here, and do anyone know why these guys are so pessimistic? I find it really funny. I've heard erronious stuff such as "What about when they have to go up against an actual good team again, because they've got to beat up on punching bags for the last month and a half." I'm off to go watch the Texans/Colts NFL highlights On Demand.