**Patriots Clinch AFC East Title for First Time Since 2019 With Week 17 Victory**
Key Takeaways:
- The New England Patriots won the AFC East for the first time since 2019.
- Their 42-10 win over the New York Jets and Buffalo’s loss to Philadelphia sealed the division.
- This is the Patriots’ 23rd AFC East title in franchise history.
Foxborough, MA — The search term “afc east champions” is trending as the New England Patriots officially clinched the AFC East division title on Sunday. Their dominating 42-10 victory over the New York Jets combined with the Buffalo Bills’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles secured the Patriots’ first division crown since 2019.
Patriots Dominant in Clinching Division
The Patriots, now sitting at 13-3, broke the Bills’ five-year hold on the division title. A standout performance at MetLife Stadium against the Jets helped pave their way to a postseason return in commanding fashion. With one regular-season game left, New England holds a two-game lead over Buffalo, officially locking in the AFC East crown. The win marks their 23rd division title in franchise history, a staggering accomplishment for a team in transition just months ago.
Coaching Change Sparks Resurgence
Much of New England’s turnaround this season can be credited to new head coach Mike Vrabel. Hired in January, Vrabel made it clear at his introductory press conference that returning to the top of the AFC East was a top priority. “Our goals will be to win the AFC East, to host home playoff games, and to compete for championships,” he said in one of his first public statements. Less than a year later, Vrabel’s team has fulfilled that vision, representing a rapid rebound from a multi-season playoff drought.
Home Field Advantage and Playoff Stakes Ahead
With the division locked up, the Patriots will now host their first playoff game since January 2020, when they lost to Vrabel’s then-Titans team. Sunday’s win not only delivers New England a home game at Gillette Stadium but also positions them to continue fighting for higher seeding and a potential bye in the AFC playoffs. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if this revived Patriots squad can convert divisional dominance into postseason success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is afc east champions trending?
A: The New England Patriots clinched the AFC East for the first time since 2019, ending the Buffalo Bills’ five-year run at the top.
Q: What happens next?
A: The Patriots will play their final regular-season game next week, then host their first playoff game in Foxborough since January 2020.
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