Through 16 weeks of the season, the New England Patriots find themselves on the brisk of consecutive playoff appearances. Currently, the Patriots are eighth in the AFC with a 7-8 record and still control their density. If the Patriots win both of their remaining games they are in the playoffs. However, there is little room for error as only one wild card spot is left. The Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, Raiders, Steelers, and Titans all are fighting for the seventh seed.
Many Patriots fans are skeptical about a Patriots playoff appearance, as they believe Mac Jones and the offense can’t keep up with the Bills, Bengals, and Chiefs. However, there is a way to face the Baltimore Ravens at home. I will go into every realistic path for the Patriots to return to the postseason.
If the Patriots lose on Sunday, their 2022 season will end, and they will be eliminated from playoff contention. However, a win significantly increases their playoff chances.
The most straightforward path for the Patriots is to win the following two games. First, beat the Dolphins, then beat the Bills. No matter what, the Patriots would find themselves in a playoff position.
The other scenario is complicated and requires help from the rest of the league. For example, if the Patriots beat Miami but lose to Buffalo, here’s what would need to happen:
– The New York Jets lose to the Seahawks in Week 17 AND beat the Dolphins in Week 18
– The Las Vegas Raiders lose at least one of their remaining two games.
– The Pittsburgh Steelers lose at least one of their remaining two games.
The last one is a bit complicated, so bare with me.
– If the Texans lose to the Jaguars in Week 17, the winner of the Titans vs. Jaguars matchup in Week 18 would not matter. However, if the Texans beat the Jaguars in Week 17, AND the Titans beat the Jaguars in Week 18, then the Jaguars would take over as the seventh seed.
The Patriots can not finish higher than the seventh seed in the Playoffs and will likely have to face the Bengals, Bills, or Chiefs. However, there is a way the Patriots could have a rematch with the Ravens at home. However, it is unrealistic.
Patriots: win out (vs. Miami Dolphins, at Bills)
Ravens: win out (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, at Bengals)
Chiefs: lose out (vs. Denver Broncos, at Las Vegas Raiders)
Monday night football could be a massive game for the Patriots’ playoff hopes as the Bengals and Bills both look to claim the number one seed in the AFC. The Bills can clinch the No. 1 seed Monday night with a win over the Bengals AND a Chiefs loss to the Denver Broncos. If both happen, the Bills could bench some starters and rest Josh Allen in Week 18, which would be more than ideal for the Patriots. However, the Broncos fired head coach Nathanial Hackett, and they have yet to beat Kansas City in 14 straight games.
Patriots fans have had to endure a lot of heartbreak over the last month, and they better buckle up because the previous two weeks are about to get crazy.
The Patriots take on the Dolphins at home this Sunday at 1:00 on CBS.
Follow me on Twitter @Thepatriotsbeat to follow the latest updates around the league and how they impact the Patriots’ playoff chances.
Subscribe to The patriots beat here to receive all updated information about the New England Patriots.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
