It’s getting to be that time of year where teams can take their first step towards the Super Bowl by clinching a playoff berth. For the New England Patriots, it’s a formality at this point, but year in and year out, it’s always fun to see how early the team can nab a playoff spot.
And the possibility presents itself this weekend.
The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth this week with:
NE win + OAK loss or tie OR
NE win + PIT loss or tie OR
NE tie + OAK loss + PIT loss OR
NE tie + OAK loss + IND loss OR
NE tie + PIT loss + IND loss— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) November 26, 2019
While there are clearly numerous outcomes that could result in New England solidifying a playoff spot, there are really only two likely scenarios.
If the Patriots can pull of the victory against the Texans this weekend, they would only need Oakland or Pittsburgh to lose or tie.
With Oakland going up against the Chiefs, it’s very easy to see the scenario where K.C. comes out on top, helping their rivals in the AFC in the process. And with the Steelers starting a third-string QB against the Browns this weekend, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see Cleveland pulling that one out.
With both outcomes having great potential of coming to fruition, this weekend could be big for the Patriots. But first, they need to take care of Deshaun Watson and Houston this Sunday. If they can take care of business, New England will add to their record of consecutive playoff appearances which sits at 10 right now.
Kickoff is at 8:25 p.m. this Sunday Night.
