The New York Jets' late-season collapse continued today at snowy Qwest Field, as New York fell to the Seattle Seahawks, 13-3.

The loss sets out a clear scenario for the Patriots to make the playoffs as the champions of the AFC East. They need to win next week at Buffalo. And they need the Jets to rebound and beat the Dolphins at Giants Stadium. A Jets win today would have virtually eliminated New England from division competition.

If the Dolphins do win next week, the Patriots would also make the playoffs as a wild-card team if they beat Buffalo and the Jacksonville Jaguars upset the Baltimore Ravens. All should be clear by 4:30 next Sunday, since the games in Buffalo, Baltimore and East Rutherford, N.J., are all scheduled for 1 p.m.