AFC EAST New England Patriots (10-2)

Remaining schedule: vs. Baltimore on Monday, at Denver on Dec. 18, vs. New York Jets on Dec. 24, at Miami on Jan. 1.

Division record: 3-1. Conference record: 7-1.

Can clinch division with win and loss by Miami. Can clinch first-round bye with win, loss by Miami and loss by Pittsburgh. Oakland’s loss to Kansas City on Thursday gave Patriots control of No. 1 seed.

division race is best route. Home game against Ravens in two weeks gives them good chance. If they split season series, tiebreaker scenario could go all the way from division record, common games record, conference record to strength of victory at No. 5. That’s where Steelers could regain division crown, with current .447 mark to .315 for Ravens, though remaining game against Browns would make that comparison much closer.

Division record: 2-2. Conference record: 7-2.

Loss to Chiefs eliminated chance of clinching this weekend first playoff spot in 14 years. One more win, plus either one more loss by Miami or Denver, will do it. Would have to finish one game ahead of Chiefs to win AFC East, but path to wild card could be clearer by Monday night.