While the Jets managed to eke out a close win over the Pittsburgh Steelers today, the Patriots don’t necessarily need to be looking over their shoulders. Their playoff berth is clinched, and the end of their schedule looks relatively easy. All that’s left to play for is perks.
Perks, that is, like first-round byes and home field advantage. All of which is just barely out of reach. If the Patriots can win tonight against a tough Packers defense, then they’ll only need to win one of their games against the Dolphins and Bills to clinch the top seed in the AFC, regardless of what anyone else does.
Even with Aaron Rodgers out, this is just another chance for the Patriots to put the league on notice. Not that the league needs reminding.