FOXBORO, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- The New England Patriots already have taken care of the AFC East title. Now they can begin focusing on home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The NFL's hottest team, the Patriots look to run their winning streak to 10 games Sunday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sparked by their winning streak - the longest run in club history - the Patriots have matched the Chiefs for the NFL's best record. But if the Patriots win their final three games, they would gain home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
New England also has been flawless at home this season, going 6-0. More impressively, the Patriots have not allowed a touchdown in their last four games at Gillette Stadium, outscoring their opponents, 50-9. They have two shutouts in that span.
One of the Patriots' shutouts came last Sunday in a 12-0 blanking of Miami. On a snowy day, the Patriots limited the Dolphins to seven first downs and 134 total yards.
Linebacker Tedy Bruschi made the big defensive play against the Dolphins, returning an interception five yards for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.
With coach Bill Belichick - one of the best defensive minds in football - the Patriots will look to continue their success against the Jaguars, who feature rookie quarterback Byron Leftwich.
Leftwich has a pair of weapons at his disposal in running back Fred Taylor and wide receiver Jimmy Smith. But Leftwich will have to try to find a way to avoid making mistakes against Belichick's complex schemes.
Leftwich completed 18-of-29 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown and Taylor rushed for 163 yards and a score last Sunday, lifting the Jaguars to their second straight win, a 27-0 blanking of Houston.
Like the Patriots, the Jaguars also have been impressive defensively, having allowed just 33 points in their last four games.
The Patriots lead the series, 3-1.
