American football: Patriots clinch divisional honours

THE New England Patriots became the first team to clinch a divisional title and the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs earned play-off berths in Week 14 of the NFL.

It was also a memorable day for 11-time Pro Bowl defensive end Bruce Smith, who became the NFL’s all-time sack leader.

With snow falling throughout most of the game and a bitter wind chill at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots sealed their second AFC East title in three seasons under coach Bill Belichick with a 12-0 victory over Miami Dolphins.