The New England Patriots have already clinched a spot in the playoffs, but they can clinch the AFC East in Week 17.
Clinching the division would guarantee a home playoff game. The Patriots can clinch in two ways, but not with a loss. They can clinch the division with a win and a Buffalo Bills loss or tie. They can also clinch if they tie and the Bills lose.
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Beyond the division, the top seed in the AFC is still up for grabs for the Patriots. The Patriots and Denver Broncos are both 12-3, but the Broncos hold the tiebreaker. If New England wants the top seed, it must win both of their remaining games, and the Broncos must lose one of their final two games.
The Broncos have to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 and the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18. If the Patriots win this week, the Broncos will be forced to play their starters against the Chargers to try to clinch the top seed and division.
The Patriots may find themselves rooting for the Chargers heavily in Week 18. If New England clinches the AFC East on Sunday, a Chargers win paired with a Patriots win in Week 18 would make the Patriots the top seed.
The Bills play the Philadelphia Eagles this week. The reigning champions are 10-5, trying to secure their own seeding in the NFC. The Patriots play before the Bills’ kickoff, so a win would put the Patriots’ fan base into scoreboard-watching mode.
There is plenty on the line and plenty to play for this week. All of the teams at the top of the AFC will be trying to secure their seeding and home playoff games in the final two weeks. The Patriots, Broncos, Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Bills are all still mathematically alive for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
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