EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- and the will be resting at home for the start of the playoffs.The only question left is whether the AFC's road to the will run through New England. scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter after New England intercepted , and the clinched a bye with a 17-16 victory over the on Sunday."We made plenty of good (plays) in the fourth quarter to come from behind, so that was great," Brady said. "I'm glad it came out the way it did - makes for a better Christmas. It's always tough to get a win here."Brady threw a 3-yard TD pa s to for the (12-3), who could earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs if Denver loses to Cincinnati on Monday night. New England became Pumas UNAM Jersey the first team to earn first-round byes in five straight seasons.With the (3-12) leading 13-10 late in the third quarter, Smith's pa s for hung in the air for an easy interception by - which led to Gray's score minutes later."Yeah, he underthrew it," coach said. "Poor throw." had a 52-yard field goal attempt that could have given New York a lead with just over 5 minutes left Other Clubs Jersey . But partially blocked it."I penetrated a little bit and got a piece of it," Wilfork said.Brady and the were then able to run out the clock for the win, sealed by 's 17-yard run on third down with just under 2 minutes left."It's unfortunate," Ryan said. "I really thought it was going to be our day."Brady finished 23 of 35 for 182 yards and was sacked four times, a modest showing while playing without wide receiver (concu Inter Miami CF Jersey sion) and running back (shoulder). cornerback had a mostly quiet return to the Meadowlands, playing against his former team for the first time since signing with New England - except for the fans booing him when he made a tackle.The game could have marked the final home appearance by Ryan, whose future with the team is uncertain in his sixth season."I wasn't thinking about anything," Ryan said, "other than I was just a little upset over this game."New York will mi s the postseason for the fourth straight year, and Ryan and general manager John Idzik have come under heavy criticism by fans who have urged owner Woody Johnson to make changes. Several waved yellow "penalty towels" at MetLife Stadium with the words "Fire Idzik!" printed in green. This latest lo s certainly didn't make the ' faithful - or Ryan and Idzik - feel any better."It's tough because through this all, he's been the rock," right guard said of Ryan. "I honestly want to win for him, more than anybody."Gray squeaked into the end zone up the middle - a video review stood after Ryan insisted on the sideline that the running back's knee might have been down - to give the a 17-13 lead with 13:51 remaining."It was about making the critical plays," Brady said, "and we found a way to do it."' first NFL interception put the in position to go ahead when Brady's pa s tipped off and into his hands. But sacked Smith on third-and-4 for a 10-yard lo Local Jersey s, setting up Folk's long attempt with 5:26 remaining. center injured his left ankle in the second quarter and was carted off the field. He said he had X-rays, which revealed no break, but was going for additional tests Monday. New York also played without wide receiver in the second half after he injured a rib.NOTES: The win was the ' 250th in 368 total games under Robert Kraft, tying him with Chicago's George Halas for the fastest an owner has reached the milestone. ... broke a tie with Curly Lambeau for fourth place in overall NFL victories with his 230th. ... Smith finished 17 of 27 for 210 yards. ... LB finished with 10 total tackles, giving him Robert Lewandowski Jersey 1,008 for his career. ... DE had a half-sack in his return after mi sing three games with turf toe.Copyright 2014 by The A sociated Pre sRelive 's performance against the with