The New England Patriots can clinch the following playoff scenarios:
Division clinched if:
Earliest Week 13: Patriots beat the Eagles; and Jets lose to the Giants
Explanation: The Jets would fall to 6 losses and the Patriots would have 11 wins. Basically the Patriots get the division the next time the Jets lose and the Patriots win. The Bills and Dolphins are eliminated.
Full control Week 14: Patriots beat the Eagles and the Texans
Explanation: The Patriots would have 12 wins, while every other divisional team would have 5 or more losses. The Jets could technically finish 11-5 with a 10-4 record in common games with the Patriots, while the Patriots could lose out and post a 9-5 common games record.
First Round Bye clinched if:
Too many variables. Need multiple losses by the Broncos and/or Bengals to clinch before the final week.
Homefield Advantage clinched if:
Too many variables. Need multiple losses by the Broncos and Bengals to clinch before the final week.