The day keeps getting better for New England, which earned the No. 2 seed in the AFC thanks to the efforts of a rival.
The New York Jets defeated Oakland 24-22 on the strength of a John Hall 53-yard field goal with little more than a minute remaining. It was the longest outdoor kick of Hall's career.
With the No. 2 seed, the Patriots will get their second bye in three weeks next weekend. In two weeks they will play the highest seed that advances in the Wild Card round.
New York clinched a playoff spot with the victory, but its seeding is still undetermined. The Raiders drop to the No. 3 seed, and Miami, which defeated Buffalo, clinched the fourth seed.
The final playoff team will be either Seattle, which defeated Kansas City, or Baltimore, which plays Monday night against Minnesota. If the Ravens win, New York will be the sixth seed and will play at Oakland again next weekend.
If the Vikings win, New York is the fifth seed and will travel to Miami. Also, Seattle would be the sixth seed at Oakland, and Baltimore would not reach the postseason.
As a result of today's games, New England is now just two victories away from the Super Bowl.
