By: Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Editor

Not that we were THAT worried.

But we can breathe easier knowing this year is better than last. The Patriots clinched the AFC East after absolutely dominating the Jaguars, and earned themselves a spot in playoffs. And it’s looking like they’ll be at a decent seed too.

After weeks of performances that didn’t reach the expectations of Patriots fans, the Pats finally showed up in shoes from season’s past. Brady, throwing as many interceptions as touchdowns lately, threw for four td’s, and Moss, recently criticized for not giving his all on the field, was on the end of three of those, shutting up the media and Carolina defensemen. The Pat’s easily took their clinching victory, beating Jacksonville 35-7.

Sammy Morris and Chris Baker scored the other two, and the Pats picked off two interceptions in the game, one on the Pats five-yard line. The only really awful moment of play was just minutes into the first quarter when Maroney fumbled (his 4th of the year) on Jacksonville’s one-yard line.

Even more exciting today was that the Giants lost to CAROLINA 41-9. Not only did they lose to one of the leagues worst, but they got absolutely slaughtered, and probably lost their chances to make playoffs, with only one wildcard spot left in the NFC and Dallas looking to grab it. And what was just crazy, was TAMPA BAY, another one of the league’s worst, defeated New Orleans, one of the leagues best, in overtime, for their third win of the season.

Anyway, here’s how the AFC Playoff Positions are shaping up:

1. Colts
2. Chargers
3. Patriots
4. Bengals
Wildcards: Looking to be Denver, Baltimore, Houston, or Pittsburgh.

The Patriots and Bengals have the same record (10-5) so if the Patriots don’t win next week against Houston, they could drop to fourth if the Bengals win against the Jets. Houston, very strong offensively, could be a tough team, especially given the Pats have been very unsuccessful on the road. The Jets probably won’t be a huge problem for the Bengals.

Either way, we’re looking at playing a wildcard team, making advancing past the first round a very big possibility. If Baltimore or Pittsburgh end up grabbing them, I’d say our chances are even better.

Popularity: 2% [?]