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Jordy McElroy

AFC playoff picture: Patriots climb the ranks after knocking off Jets

Patriots Jets AFC USA TODAY Sports Marcus Jones AFC East New England Patriots New York Jets

It took everything the New England Patriots had to put the New York Jets to bed in Sunday’s AFC East divisional matchup. The lullaby came in the form of a game-winning punt returned for an 84-yard touchdown by Patriots rookie defensive back Marcus Jones.

It was nothing but a trail of smoke once Jones turned on the burners and blazed into the end zone to ultimately ice the game.

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Sweet dreams, Jets.

The win helped the Patriots improve to 6-4 and move into third place in the AFC East divisional standings. More importantly, they also jumped in the AFC playoff rankings.

With the Jets losing and the Patriots winning their third straight game, here’s where New England would stand if the season ended today.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (8-2)

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Miami Dolphins (7-3)

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

3. Tennessee Titans (7-3)

Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

4. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

5. Buffalo Bills (7-3)

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

6. New England Patriots (6-4)

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports

8. New York Jets (6-4)

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

9. Los Angeles Chargers (5-5)

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

10. Indianapolis Colts (4-6-1)

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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