Patriots post 31-0 shut-out

THE New England Patriots clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC play-offs with a 31-0 defeat of the Buffalo Bills.

Ironically, when the AFC East rivals met in the season opener it was the Bills who posted a 31-0 shut-out.

Sixteen weeks later, the Patriots (14-2) turned the tables, extending their winning streak to 12 games and finishing with the NFL's best record. It was their third shut-out of the season and marked the seventh time they have not allowed a touchdown in a game.

Tom Brady tied a career-high with four touchdown passes all in the first half. After a promising 2-0 start, the Bills finished 6-10.

Donovan McNabb passed for 242 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another score as the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East crown and a first-round play-off bye with a 31-7 victory over the Washington Redskins.

Philadelphia will also have home-field advantage throughout the NFC play-offs if St Louis lose at Detroit tonight.

But the Eagles (12-4) are likely to be without Brian Westbrook, who leads the team with 13 touchdowns, for the post-season after the running back/returner suffered a torn right triceps muscle in the first half.

The Redskins (5-11) finished the season with 10 losses in their last 12 games.

Matt Hasselbeck passed for 315 yards and two touchdowns and Shaun Alexander rushed for 84 yards and a score as the Seattle Seahawks kept alive their play-off hopes with a 24-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.