We still have no idea of where the Patriots will be next weekend.
New England will be in a playoff game, as it no longer has a shot at the AFC’s top seed, but its wild-card round opponent has yet to be determined. That said, the Patriots’ playoff picture became somewhat clearer after Sunday’s early afternoon action in the AFC.
The Cleveland Browns beat the undermanned Cincinnati Bengals, while the Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off a stunning upset of the Indianapolis Colts. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers earned a hard-fought win over the rival Baltimore Ravens.
Because of those results, the following is true for the Patriots in terms of their potential playoff seedings and first-round matchups:
— Patriots beat Dolphins, Bills beat Jets: New England is the fifth seed and travels to Cincy.
— Patriots beat Dolphins, Bills lose to Jets, Raiders and Chargers don’t tie: New England gets third seed and hosts Buffalo.
— Patriots beat Dolphins, Bills lose to Jets, Raiders and Chargers do tie: New England gets third seed and hosts Los Angeles.
— Patriots lose, Bills lose, Chargers win: New England gets fifth seed and visits Buffalo.
— Patriots lose, Bills lose, Las Vegas wins: New England gets sixth seed and visits Cincy.
— Patriots lose, Bills lose, Chargers and Raiders tie: New England gets fifth seed and visits Buffalo.
— Patriots lose, Bills win, Chargers win: New England gets fifth seed and visits Cincy.
— Patriots lose, Bills win, Vegas wins: New England gets sixth seed and visits Buffalo.
— Patriots lose, Bills win, Vegas and Los Angeles tie: New England gets fifth seed and visits Cincy.
As for ties, New England would win the AFC East if it ties the Dolphins and the Bills lose to New York. Basically, you could substitute a tie for a loss or a win in any of the above scenarios and none of the matchups would change.
Got all that?
