Following a stunning loss to the Dolphins Sunday, the Patriots will host the Titans on Wild Card Weekend next Saturday night.
It is the first time they are playing in the Wild Card round since 2009 and nationally, many are doubting them -- even this week against the Titans.
“Watch out New England," Tony Dungy said on NBC's "Football Night in America." "You were this close to having a bye, but now you have to deal with Derrick Henry and that smash-mouth running game. It’s not going to be fun.”
Tennessee is led by Henry, who led the NFL in rushing this season, including a season-high 211 yards and three touchdowns against Houston on Sunday.
“If I’m Tennessee, I’m going into New England with a lot of confidence because I know I can run the ball, I have some big physical wide receivers, and a very solid defense," Rodney Harrison said.
Relating to Tom Brady, Dungy, Harrison and Chris Simms believe the 42-year-old is hurt.
“I think that was a devastating loss (today) because they have a veteran team, Tom Brady’s elbow has been bothering him, you have a lot of guys beat up, and you need that rest," Harrison said. "Unfortunately, they’re not able to get that rest now.”
As for the Patriots compared to the rest of the AFC, they are not even being considered with the Ravens and Chiefs.
“I think it’s a two-horse race, and that’s no disrespect to the Patriots," Simms said. "I think it’s the Ravens and the Chiefs. And the Chiefs are the one that I really look at right now and go ‘watch out’ because they are winning games without (Patrick) Mahomes throwing for 300 yards. Their defense has come alive, able to run the ball, and special teams -- that’s playoff football.”
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. Saturday night.
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