NFL playoff picture: What does Patriots-Dolphins mean for AFC standings in Week 18

The New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday to close out their 2025 NFL regular season schedule.

While the Patriots will be moving on to the NFL Playoffs, there is a chance New England will secure the No. 1 seed this weekend with a win over the Dolphins, and a little bit of help from around the league.

Here is how the Patriots can secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC this weekend.

New England Patriots playoff picture

As things stand, the Patriots are the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a 13-3 record, the same record as the Denver Broncos.

However, the Broncos have a tiebreaker advantage over New England, thanks to a better record against common opponents. Denver won all of their games against the common opponents, while New England’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders back in Week 1 means the Broncos have the edge if they finish tied with the Patriots.

Still, if the Broncos stumble against the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend, the door is open for Mike Vrable and company. New England will be the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a win over the Miami Dolphins, coupled with a Broncos loss or tie against the Chargers.

New England can also be the No. 1 seed with a tie against the Dolphins, provided the Broncos lose to the Chargers.

It is worth noting that Jim Harbaugh has already announced that the Chargers will rest Justin Herbert, and it is believed Los Angeles will rest more starters on Sunday. Oddsmakers have already listed the Broncos as 12.5-point favorites.

On the other side of things, there is some peril for the Patriots here in Week 18. New England could fall to the No. 3 seed with a loss to Miami. If the Patriots lose to the Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Titans, New England will drop to No. 3.

Tiebreaker implications

With the Dolphins already eliminated from the playoffs, there are no tiebreaker implications in this game for the two teams. The outcome will only impact New England’s position in the playoffs as noted above.

Tyler Herro Upgraded To Questionable For Sunday Game

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro has been upgraded to questionable for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Herro has missed the last ten games with a right toe contusion.

Herro is averaging 23.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in six games this year.

Pistons Assign Chaz Lanier To G League

The Detroit Pistons assigned guard Chaz Lanier to the G League’s Motor City Cruise on Saturday.

Lanier, who was drafted with the No. 37 pick, is averaging 3.2 points in 14 games in his rookie year.

Victor Wembanyama Out Versus Blazers With Knee Soreness

The San Antonio Spurs ruled Victor Wembanyama out for Saturday’s game versus the Portland Trail Blazers with left knee soreness.

Wembanyama has now missed two consecutive games with the injury.

An MRI on Wembanyama’s knee returned clean on Thursday.

The Spurs have two back-to-backs next week, with the Grizzlies and Lakers on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by Celtics and Timberwolves on Saturday and Sunday.

One bold prediction for every NBA team in 2026

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Kevin O’Connor shares his 2026 NBA predictions in this solo episode, delivering one key forecast for every team in the league. From blockbuster trade hypotheticals—like Anthony Davis to Atlanta and Giannis possibly landing with the Knicks—to unique player trajectories, Kevin predicts potential statistical trends, trade rumors and team dynamics for the upcoming year.

(0:52) Hawks prediction

(2:52) Mavericks prediction

(4:51) Lakers prediction

(8:28) Nuggets prediction

(10:07) Spurs prediction

(13:48) Nets prediction

(14:13) Thunder prediction

(15:13) Celtics prediction

(16:16) Pacers prediction

(17:21) Pelicans prediction

(18:57) Rockets prediction

(20:23) Warriors prediction

(21:58) Trail Blazers prediction

(22:56) 76ers prediction

(24:07) Clippers prediction

(26:13) Heat prediction

(27:17) Hornets prediction

(28:13) Wizards prediction

(29:41) Jazz prediction

(32:02) Timberwolves prediction

(35:31) Grizzlies prediction

(37:03) Kings prediction

(38:22) Bulls prediction

(39:57) Raptors prediction

(40:51) Pistons prediction

(42:05) Suns prediction

(42:39) Magic prediction

(43:20) Cavaliers prediction

(44:36) Knicks & Bucks predictions

(Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)

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