The New England Patriots area headed back to the postseason. With a 28-24 comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, the Patriots clinched a playoff berth in the first season under head coach Mike Vrabel.

The Patriots had a chance to earn a playoff spot last week and could have won the AFC East with a win over the Buffalo Bills. Despite building a 21-0 lead, New England fell to Josh Allen and the Bills and had to wait another week to earn a playoff spot.

Though the Patriots still have not wrapped up the AFC East crown, they are now assured to be in the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

That playoff game did not end for New England. Bill Belichick’s Patriots, led by quarterback Mac Jones, were throttled 47-17 by the Bills in the Wild Card round that year.

Belichick departed from the Patriots in January 2024. Jerod Mayo took over, but was fired after a 4-13 season.

That paved the way for Vrabel to take over this year, leading New England to a surprising playoff run that included a 10-game winning streak that finally was snapped last week against Buffalo.

With second-year quarterback Drake Maye quickly vaulting to become the face of the franchise, the Patriots became one of the top teams in the AFC much faster than most anticipated.

The Patriots close out their schedule on the road against the New York Jets and at home against the Miami Dolphins. Wins in both games would clinch the AFC East title.