New England Patriots
A win would safe a minimum of the No. 2 seed within the AFC for New England.
FOXBOROUGH — The New England Patriots clinched a playoff berth final week and the AFC East in back-to-back weeks in December.
However with one recreation left on the regular-season docket, New England nonetheless has lots to play for on Sunday relating to playoff seeding within the AFC.
For Week 18, the Patriots (13-3) will host the Dolphins (7-9) at Gillette Stadium.
Kick-off is ready for 4:25 p.m. from Foxborough. You’ll be able to watch the sport on FOX, in addition to hear on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
A win on Sunday would safe a minimum of the No. 2 seed within the AFC for New England, whereas additionally placing them within the combine to leapfrog the Broncos for the No. 1 seed and earn a first-round bye for the playoffs.
Nonetheless, the Patriots additionally want the Chargers to beat the Broncos in Denver on Sunday to open the door for the No. 1 seed — a state of affairs that appears unlikely after Los Angeles introduced Justin Herbert won’t play towards the Broncos.
A loss may complicate issues for New England, as they may drop to the No. 3 seed in the event that they fall to Miami and the Jaguars (already up massive on the Titans) come away with a win on Sunday afternoon.
Because the Patriots attempt to finish the common season on a excessive notice, observe alongside right here for reside updates from Sunday’s recreation, and examine again as soon as the sport wraps for some early observations.
LIVE UPDATES
4:17: LeGarrette Blount is at the moment’s Keeper of the Gentle.
4:15: The Texans shut out their regular-season slate with a win over the Colts. That win locks them into the No. 5 seed within the AFC. They can’t be the Patriots’ 1st spherical opponent, it doesn’t matter what.
4:12: Will Campbell is nice to go for tonight’s recreation.
3:47: Jaguars beat the Titans, 41-7, and are AFC South Champions. New England must win at the moment or else fall to the No. 3 seed within the AFC.
3:44: Mike Vrabel was requested on 98.5 The Sports activities Hub over whether or not or not he’ll alter his method at the moment based mostly on how the Broncos/Chargers recreation goes.
“”Eh. Once more, we’re speaking a few soccer workforce that received 8 video games in 2 years. We’re attempting to create a tradition of successful right here.”
3:32: Warmups are underway:
3:05: For these trying to maintain tabs on New England’s numerous seeding situations, Conor Roche has you covered here!
3:00: In the meantime, Tua Tagovailoa is the emergency third QB for Miami at the moment. Yikes!
Quinn Ewers is anticipated to start out for the Dolphins.
2:55: A have a look at the Patriots inactives:
No shock, however Spillane, Landry, Tonga, and others are out. New England correctly prescribing relaxation for these key cogs on protection.
2:39: Greetings from Gillette!
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