After a dominating 42-10 win over the New York Jets in Week 17, the New England Patriots improved to 13-3 and sit as the No. 2 seed in the AFC. Things got better when the Buffalo Bills dropped a close game to the Philadelphia Eagles, 13-12. Buffalo losing means that for the first time since 2019, the Patriots have won the AFC East.
Looking at Week 18, the Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins. Securing a win against the Dolphins could be massive as the Patriots are still in the race for the AFC No. 1 seed, currently trailing the Denver Broncos. Due to the Patriots' Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos hold the tiebreaker against New England.
For the Patriots to become the No. 1 seed, the Broncos need to lose in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the odds of that happening decreased on Monday.
Justin Herbert Out in Week 18
When the Broncos and Chargers meet in Week 18, the Chargers will be without starting quarterback Justin Herbert, per ESPNs Adam Schefter. Herbert recently had surgery on his broken hand following the Chargers' Week 13 game, so LA is being cautious with him, knowing they are in the playoffs. In Herbert's place, former third overall pick Trey Lance should get the start against the Broncos.
Lance being the starter makes the Broncos' chances of winning more likely, meaning the Patriots' hopes of the No. 1 seed are soon to be gone. Interestingly, should the Patriots win and the Chargers lose, the two teams could match up in the wild-card round against each other.
As of right now, it's unknown how the Patriots will go about playing or resting players in Week 18. Although the Patriots have locked up the division, they can finish anywhere from the No. 1 seed to the No. 3 seed, depending on the results of Week 18. Given the Patriots' recent injury woes, it would make sense for some players to be out in Week 18, so they can be healthy for the postseason.
Should some of the players sit in Week 18, one name to keep an eye on is rookie wide-out Efton Chism. With Mack Hollins on injured reserve and Kayshon Boutte out in Week 17, Chism impressed in his first real snaps on offense. Chism could be in store for another good performance if Boutte misses another game.