Patriots playoff picture: Updated seeding scenarios for New England in 2026 NFL bracket

Patriots playoff picture: Updated seeding scenarios for New England in 2026 NFL bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

One year after finishing bottom of the AFC East with a 4-13 record, the Patriots found themselves in prime position to land the AFC's top seed in the 2026 playoffs.

New England has found life throughout the regular season, with Mike Vrabel's side racing out to a 13-3 record through 17 weeks. Fueled by Vrabel's tactical nous and Drake Maye's exploits, the Patriots picked up an AFC East title, the first such accomplishment to be handed to a team other than the Bills since 2019.

New England needed some help if its hopes to scale the AFC's regular-season mountaintop. Fortunately, the Patriots have responded to most challenges directed their way. Maye has been at the heart of those reactions, tossing feathers across the field en route to emerging as the NFL MVP frontrunner. Can he direct a still-developing New England side to postseason success? Only time will tell.

With that, here's a look at the Patriots' playoff picture in 2026.

MORE:Updated NFL playoff picture following Week 18

NFL playoff bracket 2026

Patriots playoff picture

The Patriots remained in the thick of the race for the AFC's top seed, posting a 14-3 record and trailing only the No. 1 seed, the Broncos. However, Denver took the advantage in the common games tiebreaker, sporting a 5-0 record against common foes compared to New England's 4-1.

The Patriots are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

*=clinched playoff spot

As a result of the Patriots' win over the Dolphins, they've locked in the second seed in the AFC after the Broncos defeated the Chargers.