Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel wants no part of New England playing in a "shirt and hat game" Sunday.

The first-year coach brought up in the Patriot Way under Bill Belichick is on the verge of placing New England back in the postseason for the first time since the 2021 season.

If the Patriots (11-2) beat the Buffalo Bills (9-4) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, New England would be the first team to clinch a division this season. Even in the event of a loss or tie, there are combinations of results in Week 15 that could send the Patriots to the playoffs with three more regular-season games to go. The Patriots went 4-13 last season.

"We're just trying to play for the championship that we have available this week," Vrabel said. "It's a great testament to our players who have put us in this

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