Patriots on the Brink: How New England Can Clinch the AFC East and Contend for the Top Seed
The New England Patriots control their destiny in the AFC East, but the path to the playoffs – and potentially a coveted first-round bye – is still unfolding. Let’s break down exactly what your Patriots need to happen over the final two weeks of the season.
Division Title Within Reach
A simple scenario exists for New England to secure the AFC East crown: win out. Victories against the New York Jets this weekend and the Miami Dolphins in the season finale guarantee a division championship. However, you don’t necessarily need to wait until Week 18.
Clinching This Weekend: A Realistic Possibility
The Patriots can actually clinch the division this Sunday against the Jets, provided a few things fall their way. Here’s how:
* Patriots Win: A victory over the Jets is the first key.
* Bills Lose or Tie: You’ll also need the Buffalo Bills to either lose or tie their game against the philadelphia Eagles.
Even a tie against the Jets, coupled with a Bills loss to the Eagles, will secure the AFC East title for New England.
The No. 1 Seed: A More Challenging Path
While the division is within grasp, the fight for the No. 1 seed in the AFC is tougher. Currently, the Denver Broncos hold the advantage with a 13-3 record. Denver has already secured a tiebreaker over the Patriots based on head-to-head results in common games – a crucial factor since the two teams didn’t face each other this season.
To keep your hopes for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs alive, a win this week is critical. A loss eliminates the Patriots from contention for the top spot.
Jets Game: No Direct Playoff Tiebreakers
Don’t worry about direct tiebreaker implications with the Jets themselves. Having already been eliminated from playoff contention,this game won’t impact where either team lands in the postseason bracket. However, it absolutely impacts the AFC East race.
Why This Game Matters Beyond Just a Win
The Patriots currently hold a one-game lead over the Bills. The season series between the two teams is split, meaning the next tiebreaker is division record. Here’s where things get engaging:
* Patriots Division Record: Currently 3-1 (with games against the Jets and Dolphins remaining).
* Bills Division Record: Currently 3-2 (with a game against the Jets remaining).
A Patriots loss to the Jets coudl create a tie in division record. This would then shift the AFC East title decision to record in common games.
* Patriots common Games Record: Currently 9-1.
* Bills Common Games Record: Currently 9-2.
A loss to the Jets would drop the Patriots to 9-2 in common games, potentially handing the division to Buffalo.
Looking Deeper: AFC Record as a Final Decider
Should the Patriots and Bills end up tied on division record and common games record, the AFC East will be decided by overall AFC record. As of Week 17, the Bills currently have the edge:
* Bills AFC Record: 8-3
* Patriots AFC Record: 7-3
In Conclusion
The Patriots are in a strong position, but nothing is guaranteed. Focus on winning out, keep an eye on the Bills-Eagles game, and understand the complex tiebreaker scenarios. This weekend’s game against the Jets is more than just a win; it’s a crucial step toward securing your place atop the AFC East and potentially a deep playoff run.
