Patriots Playoff-Clinching Scenarios For Week 16

Win and you’re in.

That’s what’s at stake in Week 16 when the New England Patriots face the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football.”

If the Patriots pick up a primetime road victory on Sunday, New England will officially be in the playoffs for the first time in four years.

Even if New England loses, it could still clinch a postseason berth if the Houston Texans lose to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday or the Indianapolis Colts drop their “Monday Night Football” battle against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Raiders defeating the Texans would be a colossal upset, as the former has lost eight games in a row and the latter is riding a six-game winning streak.

The Colts, meanwhile, have dropped four straight and the 49ers are on a four-game winning streak, so fans should like the Patriots’ chances to secure a playoff berth in Week 16, even if they have to wait until Monday night.

New England will have to wait until Week 17 for its next chance at wrapping up the AFC East though after suffering a concerning loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15.

The Patriots’ collapse against the Bills has put them in a tough spot when it comes to securing the AFC’s lone first-round bye too, as the Denver Broncos are now in control of the top seed.