AFC playoff picture after the Patriots survive injuries, the Cardinals

The Patriots greatly improved their standing in the AFC playoff picture with a Monday Night Football win over the Cardinals.

There was plenty on the line when the Patriots lined up against the Cardinals on Monday Night Football — several spots in the playoff rankings in fact.

A win would move New England into a wildcard spot, leapfrogging the Jets and Chargers in one stroke.

A loss would dim their playoff hopes considerably entering the home stretch of the regular season.

Fortunately for New England, Mac Jones and company were up to the task. In a game that featured injuries to key players like DaVante Parker, Rhamondre Stevenson and Jack Jones, the Patriots fell behind 13-7 in the first half. Nick Folk kicked a 51-yard field goal as the teams went into half then the Pats scored 17 unanswered points in the second half en route to victory.

They now occupy the final playoff spot in the AFC.

AFC playoff picture after the Patriots beat Cardinals

1. Buffalo Bills (10-3)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-3)
3. Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
4. Tennessee Titans (7-6)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)
6. Miami Dolphins (8-5)
7. New England Patriots (7-6)

Missing the cut:

• Los Angeles Chargers (7-6)
• New York Jets (7-6)

The Patriots have a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Jets with two wins earlier this season. They have a better win percentage in the conference than the Chargers, giving them that tiebreaker as well.

The result is a jump for New England ahead of both teams.

The job is far from over for the Patriots though. They have a tough road to end the season. It starts at Las Vegas then ramps up with games against the Bengals and Dolphins at home before a regular-season finale in Buffalo.

Considering the level of difficulty there, a loss to the Cardinals would have essentially ended New England’s playoff hopes. The win over Arizona keeps them alive and in control of their own destiny.

The Jets will finish out the season with home games against the Lions and Jaguars then road games against the Seahawks and Dolphins.

The Chargers will battle the Titans at home, the Colts on the road, the Rams at home and the Broncos on the road.