Patriots Playoff Scenarios: How New England Can Secure The AFC East In Week 15

The New England Patriots (9-4) took a serious hit to their potential playoff seeding over the weekend. A miraculous, last-second touchdown by the Miami Dolphins made it unlikely for the Patriots to secure the AFC’s top seed, and could even keep them out of a playoff bye if they lose again.

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Even so, the Patriots are more likely than not to secure the AFC East and could do it this weekend. It is not a simple “win and they are in” scenario for the Patriots, though.

To win the AFC East this weekend, the Patriots need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road and hope the Dolphins lose on the road to the Minnesota Vikings. A Patriots win and a Dolphins loss guarantees a 10th straight division title for the Patriots.

The Patriots could clinch a playoff berth, but not a division title, if they win and the Tennessee Titans lose on the road to the New York Giants. Another complicated scenario involving a Patriots tie and losses by the Titans, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts would also push them into the playoffs.

New England is a slight road favorite over a Pittsburgh team that has lost three straight games, two of which came against teams with losing records.