ClutchPoints
The New England Patriots (12-3) have had a brilliant season as they have already clinched their first playoff berth since the 2022 season. However, they still have work to do if they are going to clinch the AFC East title and they also have hope of coming through with the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff structure.
Unfortunately for the New York Jets (3-12), they are playing out the string once again and they will finish the season in last place in the AFC East.
The Patriots are a game ahead of the Buffalo Bills, and if they beat the Jets on the road in this game and defeat the Miami Dolphins at home in the Week 18 finale, they will win the division title. The Bills have have a difficult challenge this week as they host the Philadelphia Eagles before closing the season against the Jets.
New England and the Denver Broncos (12-3) have the same records, but the Broncos hold the tiebreaker for the No. 1 seed in the AFC because they have faced the more difficult schedule. The Patriots would need to finish with a better record to gain the top seed, and after facing the Chiefs in Week 17, the Broncos will host the Los Angeles Chargers in the regular-season finale. That game could determine the AFC West winner.
Head coach Mike Vrabel’s team is coming off an impressive road win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, and the Patriots are not likely to slip up in this game.
The Patriots have grown dramatically this season, and the play of Drake Maye has largely been the reason behind their surge. The second-year quarterback has completed 321 of 453 passes for 3,947 yards with 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He is completing an eye-popping 70.9 percent of his passes and he is also a major factor running the football. Maye has rushed for 387 yards and 4 touchdowns, and 33 of his carries have resulted in first downs.
He has built an excellent rapport with wideout Stefon Diggs, and the former Vikings and Bills receiver has given the Patriots a playmaker who wants the ball when the game is on the line. Diggs has caught 76 passes for 869 yards with 3 touchdowns, and 45 of his receptions have resulted in first downs.
Tight end Hunter Henry is also a red zone and a third-down threat. Henry has caught 52-663-6 and 37 of his snatches have resulted in New England first downs.
Maye should have a huge game against the beleaguered Jets, who have lost their last 3 games by an average of 25 points. Look for Maye to build a significant lead and give way to backup quarterback Josh Dobbs in the 4th quarter.
Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson and veteran Rhamondre Stevenson have given Vrabel a dependable ground...
