New England's Top Enemy: Which Team Could Cause the Patriots Trouble Next Week

NOTE - This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net

The New England Patriots finished the NFL's regular season with an impressive 14-2 record and earned themselves home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a much needed first round bye.

Using this bye the Patriots can rest up and try to become more healthy with players such as Danny Woodhead, Deion Branch, and their depleted defensive line. The team also has a chance to get a head start at preparing for their next opponent. However, their next opponent is unknown. 

As New England has the number one seed in the AFC, they will either be hosting the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs or the Baltimore Ravens; all talented teams.

But, which team should New England fear the most? Who has the best chance of knocking off the best team in the NFL? 

The first team that comes to mind is the New York Jets; the self-proclaimed best team in the league by head coach Rex Ryan. 

Yes, the Jets are a very talented squad finishing the regular season with an 11-5 record. But, this team isn't the same as they were last year. Their defense does not cause the same havoc as it did last year. 

The Jets are allowing an average of 19 points-per game which is good for sixth best in the league. However, their pass defense is suspect and very pedestrian at times. The Jets come in with the sixth best pass defense, but they'll have to match-up against quarterback Tom Brady.

In early December, the team's last meeting, the Patriots man-handled the Jets 45-3 and Brady tore New York's secondary apart. 

So, in my eyes, the Jets are not the top target that should scare New England for the divisional round. 

Another possible opponent for the Patriots are the Kansas City Chiefs. Yes, this team won their division, but they do not present any problems. 

New England has not faced Kansas City this year, but that still should not worry anyone.

And, keep in mind, the quarterback for the Chiefs if former New England quarterback Matt Cassel. You don't think Bill Belichick doesn't know his weaknesses?

Also, Kansas City's two coordinators are former Belichick assistants; Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crennel. The Patriots have not won a Super Bowl without them dating back to 2004 and it seems like former Belichick coaches always present him challenges.

However, you really don't think Belichick knows how to beat them? Look back at the 2002 Super Bowl: Tampa Bay led by Jon Gruden playing his former team the Oakland Raiders; Gruden knew exactly with Oakland was going to do.

But, the one team that should cause much concern around Foxbrough are the Baltimore Ravens. 

This is a team that has proved they can win in New England. 

The Patriots suffered their first playoff loss at home in the Tom Brady era at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens last season in the first round of the playoffs. 

The Ravens are a team that are physically tough and can run the ball down your throat; a perfect mix for the playoffs. 

The two teams last meeting earlier this season back in October and the game was so close that it had to go into over-time, but New England prevailed. 

All in all, the Patriots have the best record in the NFL for a reason, but this is the playoffs. 

Like Bill Belichick says, start the playoffs everyone is 0-0 and "stats are for losers."

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