New England Patriots Playoff Scenarios

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Written By Caleb Tallman on January 6, 2023
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As the NFL regular season nears its end, the New England Patriots are in a playoff race. With only one week remaining, we present to you the most recent odds of the Patriots making it to the playoffs. Despite having only one game left, there are numerous potential scenarios that could lead the Pats to secure a playoff spot.

Patriots Playoff Odds

You can find the Patriots’ playoff odds at most reputable Massachusetts sportsbooks, and these odds have been changing every week depending on the outcomes of the Patriots’ games and those of the teams competing against them.

Currently, the most favorable wager for the Patriots to secure a playoff spot can be found at BetRivers. They offer +163 odds for New England’s postseason qualification.

BetRivers Yes: +163
No: -200
Sports Illustrated Yes: +160

New information on New England Patriots’ Super Bowl odds

AFC Standings for Wild Card Playoff Race

Although the Patriots are no longer in the running for the AFC East title, they still have the opportunity to secure a spot in the playoffs as a wild card.

The battle for the final three AFC playoff wildcard spots includes New England, Miami, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee, with each team vying for a chance to secure a postseason berth.

The remaining two wild card spots have already been secured by the team that finishes second in the AFC North (either the Ravens or Bengals) and the Chargers.

The AFC South Division race is heating up as the Titans and Jaguars vie for the top spot. The winner of this division will secure a playoff spot, making the upcoming game between the two teams crucial. However, even if the Jaguars suffer a loss, they still have a chance to make it to the playoffs as a wild card team, depending on the outcomes of other games.

Despite the ongoing battle between the Bengals and Ravens in the AFC North for the division title, the team that ends up short has already secured a wild-card playoff spot.

Rank & Team Wins Losses Notes
#4 Jacksonville Jaguars 8 8 Division Leader, Titans still in contention
#5 Los Angeles Chargers 10 6 1st Wild Card Spot, Have clinched a wildcard spot
#6 Baltimore Ravens 10 6 2nd Wild Card Spot, Have clinch a wildcard spot still in contention in AFC North
#7 New England Patriots 8 8 3rd Wild Card Spot
#8 Miami Dolphins 8 8 1st Spot out of Playoffs
#9 Pittsburgh Steelers 8 8 2nd Spot out of Playoffs
#11 Tennessee Titans 7 9 Still in contention for division, their only way to make Playoffs

New England’s Playoff Competition: Remaining Schedule and Game Odds This Week

Tennessee Titans

Record: 7-9

In Week 16, the game was held at home against the Texans, and unfortunately, it ended with a loss, with a final score of 19-14.

In Week 17, we faced the Cowboys at home and unfortunately suffered a loss with a score of 27-13 on Thursday Night Football.

In Week 18, the Titans will be facing off against the Jaguars in an away game. According to Caesars Massachusetts, the Titans are the underdogs with a 6.5-point disadvantage.

Miami Dolphins

Record: 8-8

In Week 16, the game at home against the Packers ended in a loss with a score of 26-20.

In Week 17, the team played against the Patriots on their turf and unfortunately lost by a narrow margin of 23-21.

In Week 18, the Dolphins are predicted to have a 3-point advantage as they play against the Jets at home, according to DraftKings Massachusetts.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 8-8

In Week 16, the team emerged victorious with a 19-3 win in their away game against the Jets.

In Week 17, the team secured a victory against the Texans with an impressive score of 31-3.

In Week 18, the Jaguars will be playing against the Titans at home. According to BetMGM Massachusetts, the Jaguars are favored by 6.5 points for this game.

New York Jets – Eliminated

Record: 7-9

In Week 16, the team played against the Jaguars at home and unfortunately lost with a score of 19-3.

Week 17: Facing the Seahawks on the road resulted in a loss with a score of 23-6.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 8-8

In Week 16, we secured a victory against the Raiders with a final score of 13-10 at home.

In Week 17, the team emerged victorious with a 16-13 win against the Ravens in their away game.

In Week 18, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been designated as the favored team by 2.5 points in their home game against the Cleveland Browns, according to FanDuel Massachusetts.

Las Vegas Raiders – Eliminated

Record: 6-10

In Week 16, the team played against the Steelers on their home turf and unfortunately lost with a score of 13-10.

In Week 17, the team played against the 49ers at home and unfortunately lost with a score of 37-34.

Patriots Playoff Scenarios

The optimal outcome for the Patriots currently is a victory on Sunday, which would secure their spot in the playoffs. However, even if they were to suffer a loss, there exists a potential scenario where they can still qualify.

Record: 8-8

In the sixteenth week, the game took place at home against the Bengals, resulting in a loss with a score of 22-18.

In the seventeenth week, our team emerged victorious with a score of 23-21 in our home game against the Dolphins.

In Week 18, the Patriots will be playing against the Bills on the road, where they are considered underdogs with a +7 point spread.

In the event of a loss by New England this week, there remains a chance for them to secure a playoff spot. For this to happen, the Patriots would require a Jaguars victory and simultaneous losses by both the Steelers and Dolphins.

Patriots Competitors Scenarios

New England has a straightforward path to the playoffs. If the Patriots secure a victory this week, they will secure a spot in the postseason. To provide clarity, let’s quickly analyze the possible scenarios in case of a New England loss and the specific requirements for the Patriots to maintain their playoff hopes.

Tennesse Titans

In order for the Titans to secure a spot in the playoffs, they must emerge victorious against Jacksonville this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars

In the event of a loss to the Titans, the Jaguars would only qualify for the playoffs if they finish the season with an 8-9 record and all three teams – the Patriots, Dolphins, and Steelers – also suffer losses. However, thanks to tiebreakers, the Jaguars would secure a playoff spot in this scenario.

Miami Dolphins

To secure a spot in the playoffs, the Dolphins have a straightforward route: they must emerge victorious while also relying on New England’s defeat.

Pittsburgh Steelers

For the Steelers to secure a spot in the playoffs, they must emerge victorious while also relying on Miami and New England to suffer defeats.

If ties come into play, things can become quite intricate. However, if you’re intrigued by delving into such detailed scenarios, I recommend exploring the ESPN NFL Playoff Machine.

If you support the Patriots, your ultimate desire is for them to emerge victorious. Irrespective of the circumstances, a Patriots’ triumph ensures their participation in the playoffs.