New England Patriots have three avenues to clinch playoff berth in Week 16

Jarrett Bailey

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New England Patriots have three avenues to clinch playoff berth in Week 16 image

The New England Patriots are still tasting the bitter pill of a blown 21-0 lead against the Buffalo Bills. After being in control for the the first two quarters of their Week 15 matchup with their division rivals, the Patriots were outscored by Buffalo 35-10 the rest of the way and lost 35-31 to Josh Allen and Co.

In spite of that, the Patriots still sit atop the AFC East and control their own destiny when it comes to staying on top. Additionally, they can wrap up a playoff berth in Week 16 if one of three things happens.

The easiest route to clinch a spot - they beat the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore is coming off an impressive 24-0 shutout of the Cincinnati Bengals, and are in a race of their own with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North. Going on the road to defeat Baltimore won't be an easy task, but the Patriots are certainly the better team. The Patriots also clinch a spot int he postseason if the game ends in a tie.

Scenario two for New England is if the Indianapolis Colts lose to the San Francisco 49ers next Monday night. Indianapolis' season took a wild turn after a 7-1 start. Daniel Jones was lost for the season due to a torn Achilles, so the Colts brough 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement, and he very nearly pulled off the upset over the Seattle Seahawks. If Colts vs. 49ers ends in a tie, New England clinches a playoff spot, as well.

Lastly, if the Houston Texans lose or tie the Las Vegas Raiders, New England is in. Houston has had a polar opposite season to that of Indianapolis. After an 0-3 start, the Texans have won nine of their last 11 games to propel themselves to a 9-5 record, and their defense has an argument of being the best in the NFL.

Even if the Patriots somehow don't secure a playoff spot in Week 16, it's al but certain they will be playing in January.

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Contributing Writer