New England PatriotsAs we know, the New England Patriots took care of their business this afternoon with a 47-7 demolishing of the Arizona Cardinals to keep their playoff dreams alive. They also got some help from the Seattle Seahawks who beat the New York Jets 13-3.

Now the Patriots playoff situation looks like this.

To win the AFC East:

  • The Patriots (10-5) must win against the Buffalo Bills and hope that the New York Jets (9-6) beat the Miami Dolphins (10-5).

To win the final Wild Card spot:

  • The Patriots must win against the Buffalo Bills and hope that the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Baltimore Ravens.

By the late afternoon next Sunday, we will know whether or not the Patriots will be playing in the playoffs as they kickoff at 1 against the Bills in Buffalo while Jets/Dolphins start at 1 at Giants Stadium and the Ravens/Jags are also at 1 in Baltimore.

If the Patriots win the AFC East, they would host a first round playoff game at the Razor.  If they get the final wild card spot, they would be on the road.

Now let’s just hope that things go the Patriots way and they are back in the playoffs.

Update: The NFL has moved the Jets/Dolphins game and Ravens/Jaguars to a 4:15 kickoff so now we will have to wait until after 7 PM to find out the Patriots fate should they win.