The Patriots already got a win in Week 16 Saturday, so now they are sitting back and watching the rest of the league play on Sunday.
New England moved to 12-3 on the year with the 24-17 win over Buffalo to clinch the AFC East for the 11th straight season, but its playoff seeding is still up in the air.
Simply put, the Patriots can clinch the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye with a win next Sunday against the Dolphins at home, or they can wrap it up with a Chiefs loss at Chicago Sunday night. The Patriots will certainly be rooting for the Bears Sunday night, as that would make Week 17's game meaningless and the team could have more of a keen eye towards injuries and getting players as healthy as possible for the postseason.
The Patriots also have a very slim chance at the No. 1 seed. Baltimore would need to lose Sunday at the Browns and then next Sunday at home against the Steelers, and the Patriots would need to win against Miami. So, the Patriots will also be Browns fans on Sunday afternoon.
As for the rest of the AFC, Buffalo is locked in as the No. 5 seed and the Steelers and Titans are fighting for the No. 6 seed. Meanwhile, Houston clinched the AFC South and will either be the No. 3 or 4 seed, but likely No. 4 seed.
