Sunday, December 20, 2015

Patriots maintain top spot in AFC with two to go


The New England Patriots are one big step closer to securing the top seed in the AFC.

With a 33-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans Sunday, they improved to 12-2 and maintain the No. 1 spot in the conference. They can clinch the poll position with a Pittsburgh Steelers win over the Denver Broncos.

New England is well on its way to a first round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The team takes on the rival New York Jets and Miami Dolphins on the road to finish out the season.

Quarterback Tom Brady was sharp again, going 23-of-35 for 267 yards and two touchdowns--primarily without receiver Danny Amendola, who is nursing an injury.

Here are some takeaways from the game, via Boston.com's Erik Frenz.

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