While I don’t think this is possible for reasons mentioned above, you could make this argument based on actual evidence. If the NFL HQ was trying to manipulate this outcome they would influence the officiating crew to not call penalties in particular offensive holding. Think of Harris’ 60+ yard TD on MNF. You would need to analyze the ALL-22 and find a holding penalty not called. It looked clean to me. Simply a case of the Patriots blocking scheme enveloping the entire front 7 of the Bills.
In short we have prior evidence of the Patriots cheating (SpyGate & DeflateGate) to win games. The NFL in both cases came down on the Patriots hard. Similarly BountyGate resulted in major suspensions for Gregg Williams & Sean Payton.
I don’t see this as an option, because the integrity of the game is more important than who wins the game.
So much negativity I might as well jump in. Sullivan is right, they had their ass handed to them in a unique way. Could not stop an offense running goal line formations.
Of course it won’t be, but to think there will be zero passes of consequence is wrong. Remember the Baltimore playoff game last year - strong winds played a significant role, and the team with the stronger armed QB prevailed.
The best way to beat the Patriots is to beat the Patriots by a wide margin. Leave no margin for error. Manhandle them from the beginning and knock them on their ass.
6 games to go, 4 at home, 2 on road. We will be favored in all 4 home games, and dogs on the road. Going 4-2 should be enough to clinch the AFC East and gives a shot at #1 seed despite being only 11-6. The AFC is competitive as hell this year.