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The AFC East Race - as of 12/23/1998
by Clint Mills - 1998 Patriots Fan of the Year

Given the below scenarios, there are 8 possible outcomes to this Sunday’s games involving the Bills, Dolphins, and Patriots. In all instances, Jacksonville will be hosting the #6 playoff seed. In 2 of the 8 outcomes, New England will travel to Jacksonville, with 2 more having the Dolphins traveling to New England. If you’re playing the straight odds, it is most likely that the Patriots will open the post season back down in Miami, where they last lost a 12-9 overtime squeaker to the Dolphins. When you consider that the Atlanta Falcons have absolutely nothing to gain next week, you have to give better than the 50-50 odds that the Pats will be on the road in Miami in two weeks.

There are some things we do know. It is impossible for the Buffalo Bills to host a playoff game in the 1st round, and is also impossible for Buffalo and New England to face each other in the 1st round. It is also impossible for the Dolphins to face their interstate rival Jaguars in round 1.

A lot can happen next week, but the below should help you figure out who to root for and why...

Scenario A - Pats beat Jets
Scenario B - Jets beat Pats
Scenario C - Bills beat Saints
Scenario D - Saints beat Bills
Scenario E - Dolphins beat Falcons
Scenario F - Falcons beat Dolphins