New England Patriots: Jimmy Garoppolo helps former team secure a bye

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo /
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On Sunday, the New England Patriots were able to clinch a first-round bye with some help from an old friend.

The New England Patriots were able to get a win on Sunday afternoon against the Buffalo Bills in what ended up being a lopsided game. Despite the Bills playing the Patriots very well early on, the Patriots were able to wear them down and win by 21.

For New England, winning was very important for them to keep the inside track for home-field and a bye week. Since the Patriots were able to beat the Steelers last week, they were able to seize control of the AFC. Fortunately, having their last two games against the Bills and the New York Jets has made getting the No.1 seed very likely.

On Sunday, the Patriots were able to accomplish one of their goals thanks to an old friend. In the afternoon games, Jimmy Garoppolo was able to continue his great play for the San Francisco 49ers, as they were able to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Garoppolo is undefeated as the starting quarterback for the 49ers, and he played a great game against arguably the best defense in the league. Since the Jaguars lost, the Patriots were able to clinch a bye in the first-round of the playoffs.

Now, the Patriots will certainly be interested in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game on Christmas Day, as they can secure the No.1 seed if the Steelers lose. Even though the Steelers will be without Antonio Brown, they still should be able to beat the Houston Texans on Monday. However, if the Steelers lose, the Patriots will be the No.1 seed in the AFC.

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Getting the bye was certainly important for New England, as they have been banged up this season, and especially lately. With an outside chance to lock up the No.1 seed, Patriots fans will certainly be interested in the Steelers game on Monday night.