The New England Patriots (9-3) are cruising. They have won four straight games to take control of the AFC East.
In fact, the division can be won on Sunday if New England wins and gets a little help along the way. The Patriots can clinch the AFC East with a win over the Washington Redskins (4-8) and a loss by the New York Jets (7-5) against the Kansas City Chiefs (5-7).
The first part of the equation seems likely. New England should handle Washington, despite playing on the road. But the Jets are 5-1 at MetLife Stadium and are favorites to win against Kansas City.
But it's just delaying the inevitable. The Jets are essentially three games back with four remaining after being swept by New England, which owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. If the Patriots don't clinch the division this week, they have another shot next week against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos.