"Jaguars score goes final. Due to the Jags win, the #Patriots now need to beat the Dolphins to secure the No. 2 seed.- Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) January 4, 2026 They have a 13-4 record, so if the Patriots lose, the Jaguars hold the tiebreaker and would push New England down. So, to lock up the No. 2 seed and not fall to No. 2, they need a win on Sunday."
"A win will also keep them in the running for the No. 1 seed and first-round bye, as the Broncos host the Chargers to determine the AFC West winner at the same time as the Patriots game. Although most have predicted an easy win for the Patriots, especially since the Dolphins have already (or are expected to) rule out several key starters, it's still a divisional game that can really go either way."
The Patriots clinched the AFC East and enter the season finale holding the No. 2 seed but remain in contention for seeds 1 through 3. A Jaguars win created a tiebreaker risk, meaning a Patriots loss would drop them to No. 3. A victory keeps the No. 2 seed secure and preserves a chance at the No. 1 seed and first-round bye, contingent on the Broncos losing to the Chargers. The Dolphins may rest key starters, yet the divisional matchup still poses pressure on the young Patriots to finish strong and secure optimal playoff positioning.
Read at Musket Fire
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]