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Patriots Clinch AFC East as Broncos Hold Edge for AFC’s Top Seed Entering Week 18

Denver’s tiebreaker position means a Week 18 win over the Chargers would seal the conference’s lone bye.

Overview

  • New England secured its first division title since 2019 after routing the Jets 42-10 and the Bills lost 13-12 to the Eagles.
  • Denver improved to 13-3 with a 20-13 win at Kansas City and clinched the AFC West when Houston beat the Chargers.
  • The Broncos own the tiebreaker over the Patriots based on record against common opponents, including New England’s Week 1 loss to the Raiders.
  • Week 18 scenarios: Denver clinches the No. 1 seed by defeating the Chargers; New England needs a win over Miami plus a Broncos loss.
  • Six of seven AFC playoff spots are clinched, with the Steelers-Ravens showdown set to determine the AFC North champion and final berth.