With a 27-6 victory over the Houston Texans, the New England Patriots have finally punched their ticket for the 2015-16 NFL Playoffs.
The Patriots needed to win in order to reach the playoffs, although they could have made the dance if the Steelers or Jets lost this morning. Both were victorious.
Additionally, both the Bengals and the Broncos lost this week, giving the Patriots a solid lead in the conference. The Bengals also lost starting quarterback Andy Dalton with a fracture hand. The Patriots will be able to get a bye week, and possibly home field advantage, if the following happens:
Bye Week
Patriots defeat both the Titans and the Jets
The Patriots hold the common schedule tiebreakers with the Bengals (Bills, Steelers, Broncos, Texans), so if the Patriots reach 13 wins, then they will hold the tiebreaker and lock up a bye week. The Patriots cannot clinch with a Bengals loss in week 15 against the 49ers because there would still be a chance for the Patriots to lose their final two conference games.
Homefield Advantage
Patriots defeat both the Titans and the Jets; AND Broncos lose to the Steelers or Bengals
Essentially, if the Patriots take care of business in the next two weeks, the Broncos lose to the Steelers or Bengals, then the Patriots will have homefield advantage locked up before week 17.
That would be the absolute dream to give players the most possible rest and to prepare them for the playoff push.