Yes, the New England Patriots already have a first round bye. Yes, they are guaranteed a home game in the Divisional Round. But it is absolutely paramount that the Patriots lock up the No. 1 seed in the AFC by defeating the Miami Dolphins in Week 17.
As you probably know, should the Patriots lose to their divisional rivals this afternoon and the Denver Broncos prevail over the lowly San Diego Chargers, the Broncos will nab the No. 1 seed as a result of their head-to-head tiebreaker over the Pats. That would mean that the Patriots’ road to the Super Bowl will require a stop in the Mile High City (assuming the Broncos win in the Divisional Round).