3. What’s going on with Julian Edelman, whose production nosedived heading into the playoffs?

What we think he’s thinking: Belichick wasn’t asked any questions about Edelman this week. With Edelman being on the injury report since Week 4, he seems hampered by injuries at this point in the season. In particular, his production has plummeted since the Patriots listed him with a knee issue to go on top of his shoulder problem. New England seems to be avoiding Edelman on purpose to help him heal. He has seemed like a decoy, drawing coverage and attention but doing very little. The results have been poor. The receiver’s usage should go way up on Saturday, even if he faces double teams for most of the game, which seems probable. That has been opponents’ best means of stumping the Patriots.