It's hard to believe, but the New England Patriots control their own destiny in the AFC.
Despite a 22-18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday that dropped them to 7-8 on the season, the Patriots can still make the playoffs by winning their final two games. That's because the Miami Dolphins did them a solid on Christmas Day, losing 26-20 to the Green Bay Packers to fall to 8-7.
Here's an updated look at the AFC standings heading into Week 17:
In a Playoff Spot
Buffalo Bills, 12-3 (AFC East leader)*
Kansas City Chiefs, 12-3 (AFC West winner)*
Cincinnati Bengals, 11-4 (AFC North leader)*
Jacksonville Jaguars, 7-8 (AFC South leader)
Baltimore Ravens, 10-5 (First wild card)*
Los Angeles Chargers, 9-6 (Second wild card)*
Miami Dolphins, 8-7 (Third wild card)
*Clinched playoff spot
On the Bubble
8.