Myth #1 - Patriots have had an easy schedule
Of the remaining playoff teams, New England has played 5 of the 7. No one else can make that claim. Of the playoff teams in the AFC, the Patriots, Ravens & Texans are all tied for Strength of Schedule at .496.
Myth #2 - Patriots haven't beaten anyone all year
Their Strength of Victory (.466) is the highest of all the AFC playoff teams & 3rd amongst all playoff teams. Only team in the AFC with a higher SOV is Jacksonville. Some otehr examples: Denver (.385), Atlanta (.418) & Houston (.432)
Myth #3 - Patriots don't have a running game
New England finished the season with the 7th best Rushing Offense in football at 136.7 yards/game. Only playoff teams left that are ahead of them are San Francisco & Seattle. Atlanta was 29th. Green Bay 20th.
"But they ran a lot because they had the lead a lot" - Denver led more than any other team in football yet the Broncos are down the list at 16th with 114.5 yards/game.
Myth #4 - Patriots passing game has taken a step back due to injuries
At 291 yards/game, they finished 4th in the NFL. Only the Saints, Lions & Cowboys ahead of them. 1st among playoff teams. Seattle 27th. San Francisco 23rd.
Myth #5 - Patriots Defense SUCKS
Although they give up a lot of yards, they finished tied with Houston for 9th for Points Allowed. They finished first in the NFL in Takeaway Margin though, +25 was best in the NFL. 2nd in the AFC was Houston at +12. First in AFC in Interceptions (20), 4th in NFL. First in NFL in Fumbles (21).
Some extra tidbits:
- First in NFL in Punting Average (50.3)
- First in AFC, 4th in NFL in Offensive Interceptions (9)
- First in NFL in First Downs (444), Second was 382
- First in NFL in 3rd Down Conversions (48.7%)
Lastly, only because I was so amazed by the number. Atlanta only gave up 415 yards due to penalties this year, 2nd best was the Giants at 578. Dead Last? Baltimore at 1,127
You think they win it all this year revengeissweet?
in addition to that: they were lucky to play denver quite early... 
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