NFL playoff picture: Breaking down Patriots seeding scenarios for AFC bracket

Vinnie Iyer

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NFL playoff picture: Breaking down Patriots seeding scenarios for AFC bracket image

The Patriots (12-3) will be returning to the NFL playoffs this season, and for the 11th straight year, they will be doing so as AFC East champions. New England's win over Buffalo on Saturday sealed another division title and guaranteed the Patriots a top three seed in the postseason.

New England currently holds the No. 2 seed in the conference, but it could finish a little lower by the time Week 17 ends.

Here we break down what needs to happen for New England to be seeded at No. 2 or No. 3.

MORE: Projecting the AFC, NFC playoff matchups

How the Patriots keep the No. 2 seed

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The Patriots will remain right where they are as long as they beat the Dolphins in Week 17..

If New England loses to Miami, it would need the Chiefs (10-4) to lose once in order to stay at No. 2.

MORE NFL PLAYOFFS:
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How the Patriots drop to the No. 3 seed

The Patriots would move down to the No. 3 seed if they were to lose to the Dolphins next week and the Chiefs, who beat them a couple weeks ago, win out.

Kansas City plays at Chicago this week and hosts AFC West foe Los Angeles in Week 17.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.