NFL Playoff Picture 2017: Latest Super Bowl Bracket and AFC, NFC Scenarios

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The New England Patriots can make up for last season’s failures if they go to Miami Sunday and beat the resurgent Dolphins.

If they do, they will pick up their 14th win of the season and clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Patriots were in this same position a year ago but lost their season finale in Miami, and the No. 1 seed went to the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.

The Patriots appear to have learned quite a few lessons from their struggles last year. They have won their last six games and are not easing back with the playoffs around the corner.

If the Pats lose at Miami, the Oakland Raiders can capture the No. 1 seed by beating the Denver Broncos. However, that is a dubious assignment considering they will play on the road without star quarterback Derek Carr. He broke his fibula against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16, and his season is over.

Backup Matt McGloin will take Carr’s place. Head coach Jack Del Rio said the Raiders will not change the team’s mindset.

“It’s a tough game and things happen in this game and it’s all about the team,” Del Rio said at his Monday press conference (h/t Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com). “It’s all about us moving on to the next …

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