Heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Patriots have six games left. At 2-9, they’re currently on track for the No. 3 pick in April’s NFL Draft which would be high enough to either get one of the top two quarterbacks — Caleb Willaims or Drake Maye — or generational wide receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr.
To stay there, they need to keep losing and if they want to move up they could use some help.
$200 INSTANT BONUS
DRAFTKINGS MASS
BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET
FANDUEL MASS
BET $50, GET $250 BONUS
CAESARS MASS
$1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS
BETMGM MASS
MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
MA Gambling Helpline.
There are several games this weekend that the Patriots have a vested interest in because their results could impact their draft situation.
Standard important reminder: Strength of schedule (SOS) is an early tie-breaker to differentiate teams with the same record. A weaker schedule is good for a team that wants a higher draft pick. So if everything else is equal, the Patriots want teams that are on their schedule to lose.
Here’s how Patriots fans should be rooting in some key games this weekend:
Colts (6-5) at Titans (4-7) — Unless someone is holding out hope that Mike Vrabel gets fired, they should be rooting for the Titans. It moves Tennessee further away from New England in the standings and by giving the Colts a loss it would lower the Patriots’ strength of schedule. Root for: Titans
Lions (8-3) at Saints (5-6) — Since the Patriots are unlikely to win enough games to pass the Saints, it would be better for them if Detroit wins for SOS reason because New England played New Orleans. Root for: Lions
Falcons (5-6) at Jets (4-7) — A Jets win does two things. It moves them further away from the Patriots and top of the draft order. And by doing that it makes them less likely to be tanking themselves when they visit Foxborough on Jan. 7. Root for: Jets
Cardinals (2-10) at Steelers (7-4) — Patriots are big Cardinal fans. HUGE Cardinal fans. An Arizona win could move the Patriots to No. 2 in the projected draft order. On top of that, a Steeler loss would help the Patriots’ SOS. Root for: Cardinals
Dolphins (8-3) at Commanders (4-8) — The Patriots would probably have to win three games to draft behind Washington, but a Commanders win here helps New England’s SOS a little because they play Miami twice. Root for: Commanders
Panthers (1-10) at Buccaneers (4-7) — A Panthers win would make it possible for the Patriots could pick first overall. Root for: Panthers
Chiefs (8-3) at Packers (5-6) — Simply for SOS, a Packers win would be good for New England on Sunday. Root for: Packers
