How Patriots’ Playoff Picture Could Change With Patrick Mahomes Out

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in Kansas City’s 16-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Mahomes will miss the remainder of the season, and following this loss, the Chiefs have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

The Patriots won’t have to go through Kansas City to make the Super Bowl, but the Chiefs can still impact New England’s playoff path.

Currently, the Patriots are sitting in the No. 2 spot in the AFC, behind the Broncos. Denver has a 12-2 record while New England has an 11-3 record.

The Broncos have three games left against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Chiefs and the Chargers.

Although the Jaguars and Chargers are both currently playoff contenders, the Broncos will face them in Denver, a tough venue.

However, the Broncos will face the Chiefs in Kansas City, a game that could have easily slipped away from them if Mahomes had been healthy.

With Mahomes injured, Denver could easily win the game, which is essential to playoff seeding.

After the Patriots fell to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, New England will need to win all its remaining games and hope the Broncos lose two to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Denver could still face a tough challenge against the Chiefs, but with Mahomes sidelined and Gardner Minshew set to start, it should be easier for Denver to come away with the win.

Securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC is crucial, as the team will have a bye in the first round of the postseason and home-field advantage throughout.

New England could undoubtedly benefit from a bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason, especially with a young team.

Mahomes’ injury now has a significant impact on where the Broncos could end up seeded in the AFC, potentially hurting the Patriots’ chances of winning the conference.