Two teams that still had something to play for on Sunday followed through, just to improve their positioning within the AFC Playoff picture. First, the New England Patriots clinched a first-round bye with a 38-3 win over the New York Jets at home. The Pats will have at least a two-seed, depending on the result of the Kansas City Chiefs' and Los Angeles Chargers' game later in the day. Brady has his best outing of the season, throwing three first-half touchdowns to help his team jump ahead early on, allowing them to cruise the rest of the way at Gillette Stadium. Brady finished with a season-high four scoring passes on the day, helping the Pats finish the regular season at 11-5.
As of right now, they have at least one home playoff, game, but could take home field advantage through the Super Bowl if the Chiefs and Chargers both lose. The Patriots end the season with two straight victories, as they are the only team with a perfect 8-0 home record this season. That helps them overcome a losing road record, and they also avoided playing in their first Wild Card Round matchup since the 2009 season.
Sam Darnold had his worst game since returning from a foot injury, throwing for 167 yards on 16-of-28 passing, including a lost fumble. That fumble was returned by Kyle Van Noy for a touchdown, and the Jets lost for the ninth time in 10 games, ending them at 4-12 on the season. That sub-par record could signal the end of Todd Bowles' run as Jets' head coach.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans made sure that they did not have to worry about Sunday night's Indianapolis Colts-Tennessee Titans win-or-go-home game at Nissan Stadium. Deshaun Watson threw for 234 yards and ran in for a touchdown, as the Texans clinched the AFC South with a 20-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans will be hosting a Wild Card Game next weekend, most likely against the winner of that Colts-Titans game. A loss for them would've given either the Colts or Titans the division crown at the end of the night.
Deandre Hopkins had another big game with 147 yards receiving, as the Texans continued to roll since their 0-3 start. They went on to win nine consecutive games, and 11 of 13 overall, following a loss at home to the New York Giants on September 23rd that sent them to their third straight loss to begin the year. The victory gives the Texans their fifth division title in franchise history, which has resulted in all five of their playoff appearances. It is also their third division title in the past four seasons, overcoming a 4-12 season that saw them lose Watson and J.J. Watt to season-ending injuries.
The Jaguars' season ends at 5-11, one season after they were one game away from the Super Bowl, and nearly upset the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Jacksonville has reportedly already showed support in keeping head coach Doug Marrone next season, but the VP Tom Coughlin ripped two of his own players after the game. The former Giants head coach called T,J. Yeldon and Leonard Fournette "disrespectful and selfish" for not showing any type of interest on the bench. Neither player played in Sunday's contest. Fournette has had a season full of drama and injuries, while Yeldon's contract expires this off-season, so the Jaguars may have a brand-new backfield next season.
As of right now, they have at least one home playoff, game, but could take home field advantage through the Super Bowl if the Chiefs and Chargers both lose. The Patriots end the season with two straight victories, as they are the only team with a perfect 8-0 home record this season. That helps them overcome a losing road record, and they also avoided playing in their first Wild Card Round matchup since the 2009 season.
Sam Darnold had his worst game since returning from a foot injury, throwing for 167 yards on 16-of-28 passing, including a lost fumble. That fumble was returned by Kyle Van Noy for a touchdown, and the Jets lost for the ninth time in 10 games, ending them at 4-12 on the season. That sub-par record could signal the end of Todd Bowles' run as Jets' head coach.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans made sure that they did not have to worry about Sunday night's Indianapolis Colts-Tennessee Titans win-or-go-home game at Nissan Stadium. Deshaun Watson threw for 234 yards and ran in for a touchdown, as the Texans clinched the AFC South with a 20-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans will be hosting a Wild Card Game next weekend, most likely against the winner of that Colts-Titans game. A loss for them would've given either the Colts or Titans the division crown at the end of the night.
Deandre Hopkins had another big game with 147 yards receiving, as the Texans continued to roll since their 0-3 start. They went on to win nine consecutive games, and 11 of 13 overall, following a loss at home to the New York Giants on September 23rd that sent them to their third straight loss to begin the year. The victory gives the Texans their fifth division title in franchise history, which has resulted in all five of their playoff appearances. It is also their third division title in the past four seasons, overcoming a 4-12 season that saw them lose Watson and J.J. Watt to season-ending injuries.
The Jaguars' season ends at 5-11, one season after they were one game away from the Super Bowl, and nearly upset the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Jacksonville has reportedly already showed support in keeping head coach Doug Marrone next season, but the VP Tom Coughlin ripped two of his own players after the game. The former Giants head coach called T,J. Yeldon and Leonard Fournette "disrespectful and selfish" for not showing any type of interest on the bench. Neither player played in Sunday's contest. Fournette has had a season full of drama and injuries, while Yeldon's contract expires this off-season, so the Jaguars may have a brand-new backfield next season.
