The New England Patriots are eyeing the AFC East title despite a recent setback against the Buffalo Bills. With three games left in the regular season, they aim to solidify their position as division leaders. Their upcoming opponents include the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins.
NFL Analyst’s Insight on Patriots’ Ideal Season Finish
Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report has articulated the Patriots’ optimal path forward. According to Gagnon, the team needs to achieve a few critical wins to secure its playoff standing and the AFC East crown.
Key Steps for Success
- Defeat the Ravens: Winning against Baltimore in Week 16 would provide the Patriots with crucial momentum.
- Win Against Division Rivals: Securing victories against the Jets and Dolphins is essential to clinching the AFC East title.
This Sunday, the Patriots have a chance to secure a playoff spot with either a win or a tie against the Ravens. However, the fate of their division title will largely depend on the outcomes of games in the following weeks against division opponents.
Current Standings and Tiebreaker Scenarios
The Patriots currently hold an 11-3 record, while the Bills sit at 10-4. Although New England emerged victorious in one of their encounters with Buffalo, they fell behind in the head-to-head tiebreaker after losing the recent Week 15 game.
Tiebreaker Breakdown
Here’s how the tiebreakers could unfold:
| Team | Record Against Division | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 3-1 | Split Matches with Bills |
| Buffalo Bills | 3-2 | Won Recent Matchup Against Patriots |
Even if the Patriots lose to the Ravens, as long as they defeat the Jets and Dolphins, they can still lay claim to the AFC East title. This scenario remains plausible even if the Bills secure victories in all their remaining matchups.
The path forward is clear for the Patriots, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their postseason aspirations.
