Week 12 in the AFC East: All four teams above .500 in race for division
By Brian Miller
The New England Patriots played their week 12 game against the Vikings on Thanksgiving and it didn’t quite go their way.
New England Patriots
- Record – 6-5
Last Game – Minnesota Vikings
The Patriots cruised into Minnesota as the final seed in the AFC playoff picture and the Vikings, who have lost only two games all year, and a Thanksgiving Thursday night stood in their way. Overall, the Patriots played good football. The back-and-forth contest between the two of them continued all game long.
Mac Jones threw for almost 400 yards and two touchdowns but the Patriots’ running game couldn’t generate much yardage. The biggest question of the game came late when Hunter Henry caught a pass on the goalline that originally ruled a touchdown. The replay reversed the call when it showed the ball hitting the ground and bouncing out of his hands. He still caught the ball but because the ball hit the ground, they ruled it incomplete. It would make a difference in the game.
The loss dropped the Patriots out of the “if the season ended today playoff picture”.
Next Game – Buffalo Bills
The Patriots and Bills will play for the first time in 2022 with the Patriots playing host again on a Thursday night. The Bills are currently a 1/2 game behind the Dolphins with an 8-3 record but this game is one that could have an impact on the division. For the Patriots, it is almost a must-win if they have any hopes of eventually getting a division lead but their own playoff future could take a big hit as well.
What’s on the line:
The Patriots’ post-season could be on the line this Thursday night. A loss could have big implications for the Patriots’ chances this season.
Remaining schedule:
- @ Arizona
- @ Las Vegas
- Cincinnati
- Miami
- @ Buffalo