Here’s How Patriots Can Make Playoffs After Win Over Dolphins

A win might not be necessary, however. The Patriots could stumble in Buffalo — where they were blown out 47-17 in last year’s playoffs — and still earn that seventh seed, but only if they get help from a few AFC foes.

If the Patriots lose in Week 18, they would clinch a playoff spot if:

— The New York Jets beat the Dolphins AND

— The Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers AND

— The Jacksonville Jaguars beat or tie the Tennessee Titans

The Dolphins still can get in with a win and a New England loss, but they’ll likely be down to third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson with Tua Tagovailoa in concussion protocol and Teddy Bridgewater reportedly suffering a broken hand during Sunday’s loss in Foxboro.

A Titans victory coupled with a Patriots loss would get both Tennessee and Jacksonville into the playoffs — the former as the AFC South champion and the latter as the third wild card.

The Steelers, who started the season 2-6, kept their unlikely quest for a playoff spot alive with a come-from-behind win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. A loss would have eliminated them and made New England’s path a bit less complicated.