"With the AFC East already locked up, the Patriots now shift their focus to winning their season finale game against the Dolphins next Sunday and hope to hold onto the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture or, better yet, steal the No. 1 seed and get a first-round bye. After this weekend's slate of games, that still looked like a real possibility, but now that the Chargers have"
"That's because head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Monday afternoon that Herbert will not play against the Broncos in Week 18, basically confirming they will rest their starters. Most believe Denver will easily get the win and secure their spot at the top of the conference. Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh told reporters that QB Justin Herbert will not start Sunday vs. Denver.- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2025"
"If that becomes a reality, the Patriots won't move into the No. 1 spot, as the Broncos win the tiebreaker if they end the season with the same record. That would likely mean they'll face the Chargers on Wild Card weekend, which might be better than other outcomes. The Patriots now have a better idea of what the playoffs will look like for them"
The Patriots clinched the AFC East and now focus on beating the Dolphins in Week 18 to keep or improve their playoff seed. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Justin Herbert will not play Week 18, signaling Los Angeles intends to rest starters. Denver is widely expected to beat the Chargers, which would secure the Broncos the top AFC seed and leave New England at No. 2 because of the tiebreaker. Remaining at No. 2 likely sets up a Wild Card matchup with the Chargers, guaranteeing two home playoff games and avoiding an immediate Bills or Texans matchup.
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