The New England Patriots won a thrilling game against the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier today. Not only will the 27-24 victory be talked about for a long time, it also gave the Patriots the inside track for the number one overall playoff seed in the AFC as well as homefield advantage throughout the conference's half of the postseason tournament.
Furthermore, the thrilling come-from-behind win also gave the Patriots the AFC East title for a ninth straight time. Overall, the franchise has now earned its 19th division crown – extending its lead for most in AFC East history:
New England Patriots: 19 division titles
Miami Dolphins: 13 division titles
Buffalo Bills: 7 division titles
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: 6 division titles
New York Jets: 2 division titles
By winning the AFC East nine years in a row, the Patriots also extended their own record for consecutive division titles – one they set last year by breaking a title-tie with the Los Angeles Rams – and simultaneously also tie the 1975-1983 Dallas Cowboys and the 2002-2010 Indianapolis Colts with a record ninth straight playoff berth.