The New England Patriots missed their first chance at officially clinching a spot in the playoffs: the team lost 28-22 against the Houston Texans on Sunday and is not yet officially qualified for the postseason just yet. Anything but the Patriots eventually earning a playoff birth would be a major surprise as the team’s currently on its way to earn a first-round bye, and the next chance to lock up a place in the tournament already comes this weekend.
The Patriots go up against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs, who themselves are fighting for playoff positioning as the current number four seed in the AFC, on Sunday and a win would secure the home team its 27th trip to the postseason — and its 11th straight.