The Pats still lose this game with Brady, but they would have scored a f***ing touchdown after the first four minutes and made the game slightly closer instead of an embarrassment.
Oh well.
If the Pats are to make the playoffs, they better win out - and I think they do. If they lose to one of Seattle, Arizona (despite their good year), Oakland or Buffalo, they deserve to sit out in January. I don't see the Jets losing another game. If they do, it would be huge, because I see it coming from Buffalo or Miami, evening out the overall and divisional records (assuming the Pats and Jets finish 11-5). It then goes to common opponent before conference record. Assuming the Jets lose that one divisional game and the Pats win out, they would have at least a 2-game advantage on the Jets in terms of common opponent (the Jets lost to Oakland, who the Pats would have beaten, and they lost to the Broncos tonight, who the Pats obliterated). So, hopefully the Jets lose one divisional game and finish the year 11-5 tied with the Pats. That would give New England the division.
I see Baltimore potentially losing at least two of their last four games. They have an extremely difficult schedule... vs. Redskins, vs. Steelers, @ Cowboys, vs. Jaguars. If they lose two of those and the Pats win out, the Pats get that 6th spot (or the Jets would have it if the above scenario played out with this one).
I don't see Indianapolis falling out of a wild card spot. They might lose to Tennessee, but they would still have the tie breaker over the Patriots. They hold on to the 5 slot.
Obviously, the Pats need some help to get into the playoffs, but they're very much still in it. If I were a betting man, I would say they would have to take over the Ravens' spot if they hope to play in January.
The Dolphins can also complicate things becauuuuuuse, well, they're also 7-5 and face an easy remaining schedule as well.