The Patriots finished the season with 14 wins and 3 losses, the same as the Denver Broncos, but Denver won the tie breaker with a superior record against common opponents, potentially making the Patriots’ path to the Super Bowl more difficult. The Broncos’ home field advantage is outstanding, because their stadium is located at 5,280 feet above sea level. I can testify from personal experience that a significant increase in altitude sharply lowers stamina. During the 35 years that my parents lived in Montana at a mile high, I visited dozens of times to hunt. I also played basketball there. During the first few days of each visit, exercise made me feel weak and short of breath. It always took me about a week to become acclimated. Unfortunately, NFL teams visiting Denver don’t have time enough to become acclimated to the altitude. Even superbly conditioned, professional athletes are affected to some degree.
By the time you read this column, The AFC Divisional Round will have been played, deciding who reaches the Conference Finals. If the Buffalo Bills beat the Broncos and the Patriots beat the Houston Texans, the Patriots will host the Bills. If the Patriots win and the Broncos win, the Patriots will need to travel to Denver. So I’ll try to root for the Bills when they face the Broncos. I’ll try, but it’ll be hard for me to root for the Bills, who replaced the Patriots as reigning champs by winning the AFC East for five consecutive seasons, until this year, when the Patriots rose from the ashes of two consecutive 4-win seasons to return to their preeminent position. I dislike the Bills so much that I’ll probably find myself rooting against them, even if it means a Patriots’ trip to Denver. Besides, if the Patriots must play the Bills, led by reigning MVP Josh Allen, it won’t be easy.
In order to face either the Broncos or the Bills, of course, the Patriots must beat Houston, with the best defensive unit in the NFL. I’m cautiously optimistic, because quarterback play is crucial during the playoffs, and I believe that our guy, Drake Maye, is better than C J Stroud, the Texans’ quarterback. If the Patriots reach the AFC Championship game, their toughest obstacle will be either Denver’s altitude or superstar quarterback Josh Allen. I don’t know which would be worse. Pick your poison. Go Pats!


Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889.
Upcoming Gigs:
Bull Wheel at Jay Peak on Saturday, January 31 from 4 to 7
Iron Rail in Woodsville on Thursday, February 26 from 5 to 8

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