The Patriots still control their own destiny in the AFC East, even with last week’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. In fact, they can wrap things up with a win against Buffalo Sunday, plus some help.

Even if they don’t get the help needed to win the division, the Patriots can still clinch at least a wild card spot with a win and a few other games going their way. Here’s a run through of this week’s scenarios…

• To clinch the AFC East…

  • Patriots win vs. Bills
  • Dolphins loss/tie vs. Saints

   

  The Patriots can’t officially clinch the division on Sunday. They need a Miami loss, and the Dolphins don’t play the Saints until Monday night. Due to a string of injuries and COVID cases, the Saints will be starting Ian Book at quarterback. It will be the first time the fourth-string rookie appears in an NFL game.

• Playoff Berth Scenario 1

  • Patriots win vs. Bills
  • Raiders loss/tie vs. Broncos
  • Chargers loss vs. Texans

• Playoff Berth Scenario 2

  • Patriots win vs. Bills
  • Colts loss/tie vs. Cardinals
  • Bengals loss vs. Ravens

• Playoff Berth Scenario 3

  • Patriots win vs. Bills
  • Colts loss/tie vs. Cardinals
  • Ravens loss vs. Bengals
  • Steelers loss/tie vs. Chiefs

• Playoff Berth Scenario 4

  • Patriots win vs. Bills
  • Colts loss/tie vs. Cardinals
  • Chargers loss vs. Texans

• Playoff Berth Scenario 5

  • Patriots win vs. Bills
  • Ravens loss vs. Bengals
  • Browns loss vs. Packers
  • Steelers loss/tie vs. Chiefs

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