Patriots vs Bills: what does each team need to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs?
The Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots in Week 18 of the 2022 NFL regular season on Sunday.
The Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots in Week 18 on Sunday knowing they’ve already clinched a place in the postseason, but after the cancellation of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals, they can no longer claim a first-round bye.
Meanwhile, the Patriots head to Highmark Stadium outside the playoff spots, but still in contention to book a berth in the Wild Card round.
Chiefs secure AFC first-round bye
After Damar Hamlin’s on-pitch collapse led to the suspension of Monday’s Week 17 clash with the Bengals, the NFL on Thursday opted not to reschedule the game - a decision that allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to wrap up top-seed status in the AFC with their victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday. However, if the Bills beat the Patriots and later meet the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game, the NFL has agreed that this clash would be played at a neutral venue.
Hamlin “remains in critical condition”, Bills say
Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest against Cincinnati, is breathing on his own but “remains in critical condition”, the Bills said on Saturday. The safety, 24, this weekend tweeted his thanks for the support he has received since being hospitalised, writing: “The love is felt, & extremely real. No matter race or religion everybody coming together in prayer!”
The Bills will be appearing in the playoffs for the fourth straight season - only the third time in its history that the franchise has managed such a streak. Sean McDermott’s men made sure of their postseason place with their 32-29 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.
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Patriots need a win - or favours elsewhere
As for the Patriots, they must get a result against the Bills if they’re to be sure of joining Buffalo in the AFC playoffs. New England will qualify for the Wild Card round if they win on Sunday, though they can also make it through if they lose - as long as results elsewhere go their way.
Should they suffer defeat to the Bills, the six-time Super Bowl champions need the Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers to lose to the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns, respectively. New England also required a Jacksonville victory over the Tennessee Titans on Saturday - and the Jaguars duly complied, winning 20-16 at TIAA Bank Field.
Video - Hamlin “would want the Bills to play” on Sunday:
