Now that the Patriots have secured their place in the 2025 NFL playoffs, many scenarios will ultimately determine who their first postseason opponent will be. It all hinges on the Week 18 slate of games, starting with their fate against the Dolphins on Sunday, which should be an easy win.
Beyond that, the Broncos hosting the Chargers is the most significant indicator of where they will be seeded and who they will face, since they're still in contention to steal the No. 1 seed from Denver this weekend. But if they beat the Chargers, the Patriots will likely remain at No.