New England Patriots fans should be rooting against the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders this weekend.
Currently sixth in the AFC, the Patriots can clinch a playoff spot Sunday with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium coupled with a loss by either the Dolphins or the Raiders.
Miami, winner of seven straight, has a road game against the Tennessee Titans, who currently own the AFC’s No. 2 seed. Las Vegas visits the Indianapolis Colts, who could be without Carson Wentz after the quarterback tested positive for COVID-19.
If the Patriots are upset by the 2-13 Jags, or if they, the Dolphins and the Raiders all win, New England would be unable to lock up a postseason berth until Week 18, when they visit Miami in the regular season finale for both teams.
A rare tie against Jacksonville also could be enough to get the Patriots in this week. Here are all of their potential clinching scenarios, via NFL Communications:
New England clinches playoff berth with:
1. NE win + MIA loss or tie OR
2. NE win + LV loss or tie OR
3. NE tie + MIA loss + LV loss + LAC loss or tie OR
4. NE tie + MIA loss + BAL loss or tie OR
5. NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss + BAL loss + PIT loss or tie OR
6. NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss or tie + BAL loss or tie + MIA win + BUF win
NOTE: There are other clinching scenarios for New England that involve multiple tie games.
New England remains alive for the AFC East title but would need the first-place Buffalo Bills to lose at least one of their final two games. The Bills close out the season with home matchups against the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets.
