2. Bill Belichick’s coaching tree has had success against him

Over the last two seasons, Belichick’s coaching tree (Lions coach Matt Patricia, Dolphins coach Brian Flores, Texans coach Bill O’Brien and Titans coach Mike Vrabel) has delivered four of the Patriots’ nine losses.

I’m counting Vrabel in Belichick’s tree, even if he only played and never coached for Belichick.

3. Stephon Gilmore’s dud couldn’t have come at a worse time

Stephon Gilmore delivered a bust of a performance in Week 17 against receiver DeVante Parker, which contributed in large part to the Patriots’ loss, which landed them in matchup against the Titans.

Gilmore’s game was his worst since — you guessed it — his matchup against Titans receiver Corey Davis (7 catches, 125 yards, 1 TD) in Week 10 of the 2018 season. It’s possible — and maybe even likely — Gilmore ends up on rookie receiver A.J. Brown, who has been a nightmare for cornerbacks since Tannehill has taken over for Mariota. But this game has the potential for a strange collision to make the perfect storm for Gilmore and New England.