 The Patriots have locked up the top seed in the AFC, giving them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. (USA TODAY Images) |
The road to the Super Bowl comes through New England.
After the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Denver Broncos 37-28 on Monday Night Football, the New England Patriots officially locked up the No.1 seed in the AFC. They had already won the division and secured a first-round bye, but now the Pats have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Broncos must win next week against the Oakland Raiders in order to clinch a first-round bye. If the Broncos lose and the Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, then Cincinnati will sneak into the No. 2 seed.
Locking up the top seed in the AFC doesn't guarantee the Patriots a trip to the Super Bowl, but it does give them a significant edge in the playoffs. The Patriots are 15-0 at home over the past two seasons. It's officially Super Bowl or bust.
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