The New England Patriots, even with all of the ups and downs, are somehow still in the playoff hunt, and control their own destiny.
If the Patriots win this week, they will still need to beat Buffalo in Week 18, but if they wind up losing this week, their season is over. There’s still a chance for the team to make the playoffs if they lose to the Bills, as our very own Jordy McElroy laid out here.
But nothing matters if they don’t get the job done against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Miami may be without starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, for the game, but the Patriots aren’t without their own injury worries, as Jack Jones, Jonnu Smith, DeVante Parker and Marcus Jones have all been ruled out for the game.
With an ever-important New Year’s Day matchup looming, the Patriots will need a few things to go their way.