How Sunday's early games affected the Patriots' ability to clinch a playoff berth, win the AFC East and earn a No. 1 seed/first-round bye.

The Miami Dolphins have had a disappointing season, while the New England Patriots have surged in Mike Vrabel’s first season as the head coach. However, after two straight seasons of missing the playoffs and watching the Patriots thrive after a coaching change,

The Patriots face the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture.

The rookie lineman is still recovering from the MCL injury he suffered in the team's Week 12 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was placed on injured reserve and will be eligible to return for the Patriots' regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

In their final home game of the regular season, the Ravens (7-7) face the New England Patriots (11-3) in a Sunday night matchup with playoff implications.

The Patriots are almost guaranteed to make the playoffs in the AFC. But this nightmare playoff scenario could really hurt New England.

It doesn't look like the Patriots will be facing Tua Tagovailoa when they meet the Dolphins in the regular season finale.

Matthew Judon, who made two Pro Bowls with the Patriots, now heads to the waiver wire after just 13 games with Miami.

The Bills can secure a postseason berth with a loss by the Houston Texans or Indianapolis Colts later in Week 16. The Carolina Panthers took a full game lead in the NFC South with a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Miami was Judon's second destination after being traded by the Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons last year. He played in 13 games for the Dolphins this season and recorded 19 tackles, one pass deflection and no sacks.