How Patriots can clinch playoff berth vs. Ravens on Sunday Night Football

Billy Heyen

How Patriots can clinch playoff berth vs. Ravens on Sunday Night Football image

Things won't be easy for the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.

They're in Baltimore to take on the Ravens, and Lamar Jackson is incredible in December for most of his career.

But if the Pats win, they can make it to the playoffs.

Here's what's on the line.

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How can the Patriots clinch a playoff berth tonight?

It's easy for the Patriots on Sunday night: Win and in.

If the 11-3 Pats win, they clinch a playoff spot in the AFC.

A victory doesn't guarantee an AFC East Division title, because the Bills are 11-4 after a win on Sunday.

But a win does mean that the absolute worst thing that can happen is falling the last two weeks and ending up as a wild card team.

Clearly, the Patriots would like to unseat the Bills atop the AFC East after five consecutive division titles.

But the most important thing is to get into the dance at all.

With a win over the Ravens, the Patriots will be going dancing no matter what happens in the final two weeks of the regular season.

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Staff Writer