Bills clinch AFC East for second consecutive season

During quarterback Tom Brady's historic run as the starting signal-caller for the New England Patriots from 2001 through 2019, the team took first place in the AFC East in every season except 2002 and 2008 (when Brady tore his ACL and MCL in Week 1). Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the 2020 campaign and the Bills have taken the AFC East in both seasons since.

While New England stumbled to a 7-9 record last year under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Cam Newton, the franchise bounced back this season with a 10-7 record with Belichick handing the reins to rookie quarterback Mac Jones. With New England's 33-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 18 though, Buffalo -- who defeated the New York Jets on Sunday -- secured first place.

Both the Bills and Patriots -- who clinched a playoff berth last week -- will await the result of the Week 18 "Sunday Night Football" matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers to find out their postseason draw.

If the Chargers win, Buffalo will host Los Angeles and New England will travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Raiders win, the Patriots will take on the Bills again in the first round of the playoffs, in Buffalo.