The New England Patriots are back to being Super Bowl contenders, as they are one step closer to a return to the postseason.
After a thrilling victory over the Baltimore Ravens last week, the Patriots blew out the New York Jets in Week 17, improving their record to 13-3. With one week left in the regular season, the Patriots control much of their own destiny for playoff positioning.
Still, New England remains slightly behind the Denver Broncos, which will make the final week of the regular season matter for both teams. Here's a look at the Patriots' playoff picture through Week 17.
MORE WEEK 17 NEWS:
- Updated AFC, NFC standings in NFL playoff picture for Week 17
- How Giants-Raiders Week 17 matchup likely decides No. 1 overall pick
- Texans, Packers among latest teams to clinch spot in NFL postseason
Patriots playoff picture
The Patriots are that much closer to winning the division, as they only need a win or a Buffalo Bills loss to secure the top spot in the AFC East. Additionally, New England is still in play for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, as a win and a loss by the Denver Broncos would secure a Patriots' bye.
New England's win means the worst the team can do in the playoffs is fall to the No. 5 seed, and that is only if the Bills win the division. Instead, the Patriots have a clear path to the No. 2 seed, and could rise to the top with some help.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Denver Broncos | 13-3 |
| 2. | New England Patriots | 13-3 |
| 3. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 12-4 |
| 4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-7 |
| 5. | Buffalo Bills | 11-4 |
| 6. | Houston Texans | 11-5 |
| 7. | Los Angeles Chargers | 11-5 |
| 8. | Indianapolis Colts | 8-8 |
| 9. | Baltimore Ravens | 8-8 |
| 10. | Miami Dolphins | 7-9 |
| 11. | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-10 |
| 12. | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-10 |
| 13. | Cleveland Browns | 4-12 |
| 14. | Tennessee Titans | 3-13 |
| 15. | New York Jets | 3-13 |
| 16. | Las Vegas Raiders | 2-13 |
AFC wild-card standings
Following Week 17's results, the wild-card teams are pretty much set. The Los Angeles Chargers will be one of the wild-card teams, while the second-place finishers in the AFC East and AFC South will get the final two spots.
Division leaders
- AFC West: Denver Broncos (13-3)
- AFC East: New England Patriots (13-3)
- AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Wild card teams
- Buffalo Bills (11-4)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
As of these standings, the Patriots would play the Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. That is, of course, subject to change before the regular season ends.
MORE: How Patriots can clinch the No. 1 seed in AFC
AFC East standings
The Patriots are in the driver's seat for the AFC East title, as New England needs either a win or a Bills loss to secure the top spot. Buffalo plays the Philadelphia Eagles in the afternoon window, giving the Patriots a chance to clinch the division by tonight.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | New England Patriots | 13-3 |
| 2. | Buffalo Bills | 11-4 |
| 3. | Miami Dolphins | 6-9 |
| 4. | New York Jets | 3-13 |
Patriots remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | vs. Dolphins | TBD | TBD |
The Patriots end the season with a home game against the Dolphins in a divisional matchup. Earlier this year, New England beat the Dolphins in Miami, 33-27.