FOXBORO -- The New York Giants lost five of their final eight regular-season games in 2011. And they won the Super Bowl.
The Packers went 3-3 in their final six regular-season games in 2010. And they won the Super Bowl.
The Saints lost their final three regular-season games in 2009. And they won the Super Bowl.
The Cardinals went 2-4 in their final six regular-season games in 2008. And lost the Super Bowl on a miraculous last-minute drive by the Steelers.
The Giants lost two of their last three regular-season games in 2007. And they won the Super Bowl.
The Colts lost three of their final five regular-season games in 2006. They allowed 219, 275, 133, 191 and 150 yards on the ground in those games. And they won the Super Bowl.
Momentum? History says it starts when the regular-season ends and not before.
New England Patriots
"I think you want to be playing well so you have confidence going into the playoffs, theres no question about that, but like I said, whatever we do this weekend isnt going to have any bearing on what happens in the playoff game the following week," said Tom Brady. "Whats going to have a bearing on the playoff game is how we prepare for that week and the opponent and our scheme and our execution. Were trying to build some confidence this week in what were doing, go out and have good practices, and go out and see if we can execute better than we have been."
This week's opponent is the Miami Dolphins. By the time they kick off at 4:25 pm, the Patriots should know their chances of earning a first-round bye. A Texans loss to the Colts earlier in the afternoon would open the door for New England to get a bye with a win. If the Texans win, the Patriots would need an improbable win by the Chiefs over Denver later in the evening to have the same shot.
Brady said the team will be up-to-date on what the scenarios are.
"I'm sure well all be aware of that, yeah. No question," he said. "But I dont think that changes what our goal is for the weekend. I think were trying to win this game regardless. It could be different if some other teams win, but thats really out of our control. Were just going to go out and try to win."