New England Patriots

What do the New England Patriots' playoff scenarios look like in Week 18? Here's how the Patriots can clinch a Wild Card berth on Sunday.

New England is behind the Dolphins (42%) but ahead of the Steelers (21%). If New England loses, they would need the Dolphins to lose to the Jets, the Steelers to fall to the Browns, and the Jaguars to either win or tie against the Titans. The Patriots can lose to the Bills and still make the playoffs, but they’d need some help. New England lost to the Bills 24-10 in a Week 13 home game earlier this season. However, both the Dolphins and Steelers emerged victorious in Week 18, eliminating the Patriots from playoff contention. [New England Patriots](https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tag/new-england-patriots) are now in the driver’s seat of the AFC Wild Card race.

Here's an updated overview of the playoff scenarios for the Patriots before Sunday's Week 18 game against the Bills.

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The Patriots look to sneak into the AFC playoffs when they face the Bills on Sunday afternoon. We have our favorite player props for the game.

Buffalo is healthy and hungry, with a strong defense that will look to frustrate the Patriots’ offense at every turn. On top of the yards he’ll accrue, Davis could also find himself in the endzone, which would make for quite the parlay. That is especially true when it comes to defending speedster Gabriel Davis who’s averaging 17.7 yards per catch (3rd among qualified receivers). Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen once again proved this season that he is one of the top quarterbacks in the entire NFL. Josh Allen has been a machine this season, averaging over two passing touchdowns per game on the season. Week 18 is here, and although it may feel like it just began, the NFL’s regular season is about to come to a close.

Quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (12-3) host Mac Jones and the New England Patriots (8-8) in NFL Week 18.

A look at the NFL’s new streaming service](https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2022/08/how-to-watch-nfl-plus-what-is-it-what-does-the-nfl-streaming-service-cost-and-premium-plan-include-every-preseason-game-for-starters.html) Or, get this game on [Sling TV](https://www.sling.com/) (promotional offers), if you prefer that platform and their pricing plans. If you already have a cable provider, use your login information to [watch this game on cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/cbs-sports-network/). [this Gesobyte brand HDTV antennae](https://www.amazon.com/LATEST-Amplified-Digital-Antenna-Miles/dp/B07XQLW1H7/?ots=1&slotNum=0&imprToken=b4c1829e-bbf8-5114-bd4&tag=advanceoregon-20&linkCode=w50) is currently the top selling HDTV antennae product on Amazon. If you need to get one, [What is NFL Plus? • It [goes for under $30 and ships quickly with Prime](https://www.amazon.com/LATEST-Amplified-Digital-Antenna-Miles/dp/B07XQLW1H7/?ots=1&slotNum=1&imprToken=b4c1829e-bbf8-5114-bd4&tag=advanceoregon-20&linkCode=w50). Buffalo has clinched its third consecutive AFC East title. Quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (12-3) host Mac Jones and the New England Patriots (8-8) in NFL Week 18. New England is a win from securing its 13th playoffs berth in 14 seasons. This AFC East matchup kicks off Sunday, January 8 at 10 a.m.

FOXBORO – After 17 weeks, the NFL playoff picture will finally become clear on Sunday. At times, it's been a frustrating season for the Patriots.

In addition to looking to lock up to No. The first possibility is a simple one - in theory. At times, it's been a frustrating season for the Patriots.

As the New England Patriots prepare to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 of the 2022 season, Patriots Country highlights three players on whom Pats fans ...

[cornerback Jalen Mills out with a groin injury](https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-buffalo-bills-injury-report-marcus-jones-devante-parker-jakobi-meyers-damar-hamlin), rookie Marcus Jones may draw some man coverage against Diggs due to his speed. All in all, Thornton finished with three receptions for a team-leading 60 yards, and was arguably the catalyst for New England’s offensive awakening against the Dolphins. For a team which has largely been devoid of the deep ball, Thornton hauled in the two longest receptions of his young career on New Year’s Day. In Week 13, New England erred by failing to properly game plan against Diggs. The Baylor product had two receptions of more than 20 yards with a 24-yard pass from Jones in the first quarter, as well as a 29-yard reception in the third quarter of last Sunday’s victory over the Miami Dolphins. His budding synergy with Mac Jones may allow Thornton to see a greater amount of targets in Week 18. Buffalo traveled to New England on Thursday, Dec. However, Buffalo would be smart to also utilize their perimeter corners to take away his preferred routes and targets. Emotions will understandably be high as the Bills will be taking the field for the first time since the horrific collapse of safety Damar Hamlin during the first quarter of Buffalo’s Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. As such, many Patriots players are expected to garner some attention during Sunday’s matchup. [face off against the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. Despite having been resuscitated twice due to cardiac arrest, Hamlin is on the road to a remarkable recovery.

The Patriots face the Bills in an AFC East matchup, where a win secures their playoff spot and a loss could end their season.

[Click Here](https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news) 2 seed and would insure a neutral site AFC Championship game, should they face the Kansas City Chiefs. [Sports Illustrated here](https://www.si.com/nfl/team/new-england-patriots). ](https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-matthew-slater-bill-belichick-damar-hamlin-buffalo-bills-preview-playoffs) However, that will be much easier said than done against this Bills team. Of course, they can still lose on Sunday and make the playoffs, but it would be much easier to to just win and not rely on outside help.

After a week filled with emotion, the Bills get back to football.

New England Patriots: NFL Week 18 time, TV, live stream](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/how-to-watch-buffalo-bills-vs-new-england-patriots-nfl-week-18-time-tv-live-stream.html) Hamlin’s condition improved through the week, though, and he [was able to speak with his family and with teammates](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/damar-hamlins-breathing-tube-has-been-removed-bills-safety-able-to-speak-to-family.html) on Friday. [Bills’ 2023 opponents set: Early look at Buffalo’s home and away games](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/bills-2023-opponents-set-early-look-at-buffalos-home-and-away-games.html) [Where else would you rather be? [game will be broadcast](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/how-to-watch-buffalo-bills-vs-new-england-patriots-nfl-week-18-time-tv-live-stream.html) on CBS at 1 p.m. Bills prediction, preview & playoff picture: NFL Week 18](https://www.syracuse.com/betting/2023/01/patriots-vs-bills-prediction-preview-playoff-picture-nfl-week-18.html) [How to watch Buffalo Bills vs. Patriots](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/where-else-would-you-rather-be-how-damar-hamlin-is-helping-bills-retake-the-field-vs-patriots.html) [Bills’ Damar Hamlin makes first public comments after suffering cardiac arrest](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/bills-damar-hamlin-makes-first-public-comments-after-suffering-cardiac-arrest.html) [CNY coaches say Damar Hamlin’s collapse is ‘exactly what happened’ to lacrosse player who had life saved in 2011](https://www.syracuse.com/sports/2023/01/cny-coaches-say-damar-hamlins-collapse-is-exactly-what-happened-to-lacrosse-player-who-had-life-saved-in-2011.html) [Patriots vs. If they lose, the Patriots could still make the postseason 1 seed on Saturday with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After he was taken to a Cincinnati hospital in critical condition, the game was postponed and ultimately canceled by the NFL. [played at a neutral field](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/so-what-now-potential-afc-championship-game-scenarios-revealed-for-buffalo-bills.html). [messages of support](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/reaction-to-damar-hamlin-collapse-the-game-is-not-important-please-be-ok.html) from around the world. [Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest](https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/01/update-buffalo-bills-cincinnati-bengals-mnf-game-called-off-after-damar-hamlin-collapses.html) on the field and needed CPR on the field.