FOXBORO — The stage is set for the New England Patriots’ season finale in western New York.
The NFL has announced its busy Week 18 schedule, with New England’s matchup with the Buffalo Bills confirmed for a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday, January 8 at Highmark Stadium.
As the Patriots fight for their proverbial life in the playoffs, the competition is having postseason implications for both teams. Although Buffalo have won their third consecutive AFC East Division title, Buffalo may still be fighting for the No. 1 spot in the AFC, giving them a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
The Bills’ first task is to earn a win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Queen City on Monday night, January 2nd. Should they succeed, Buffalo will be keeping a close eye on Saturday, January 7th as the Kansas City Chiefs meet the Las Vegas Raiders. If ex-pats Josh McDaniels, Jarrett Stidham and co. are able to end the fuss over Kansas City, the Bills would secure the AFC’s top spot.
However, a Bills loss to Cincinnati coupled with a Chiefs win over the Raiders would give Kansas City the No. 1 spot.
In either scenario, Buffalo’s playoff fate would be largely determined by Sunday’s 1 p.m. kick-off, meaning they could be inclined to rest their starters for a healthy playoff run.
Facing a reserve team might make New England’s road to victory a little easier. Should the Pats be able to pull off the upset win, they’ll improve to 9-8 and earn the last wild card spot.
In short, win and they’re in.
However, should New England lose their Week 18 matchup with Buffalo, New England would still earn a playoff berth if ALL of the following conditions were to occur:
- The New York Jets beat the Miami Dolphins
- The Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers
- The Jacksonville Jaguars beat or tie the Tennessee Titans
With the exception of the Titans vs. Jaguars game – which is scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. Saturday – each of the games listed above will be played concurrently with the Patriots vs. Bills tilt on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Patriots will return to the practice field Wednesday to begin tactical preparations for their Week 18 showdown with the Bills.
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