The Patriots could be nearing the end of the Bill Belichick era, already notching the worst record of the Hall of Fame coach’s career. But they could also have a great opportunity to start fresh, with a chance to own a pick as high as the second pick in the 2024 draft.
Heading into Week 18, New England (4-12) currently holds the third overall pick, behind the Bears and Commanders. Depending on this week’s results, the Patriots could end up being selected anywhere between No. 2 and No. 7 in the first round.
While any top-10 pick can help revitalize the Pats roster, there’s a big difference between picking second and seventh, especially when the draft’s top three quarterbacks – Caleb Williams of USC, North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels – are likely to leave the board sooner than expected. Moving up to No. 2 would ensure they get at least one of the top two prospects, assuming the Patriots are willing to reload under center.
So how, exactly, can New England end up picking No. 2? Here is the simplest path:
Those results would put the Pats at 4-13, while lifting the Commanders and Cardinals to 5-12 on the season, eliminating any tiebreakers in favor of the other teams. But this scenario is exaggerated. Belichick probably isn’t interested in “tanking” to help an organization that may or may not have him in its long-term plans, and he’s notoriously effective against the Jets, going 38-11 against Gang Green over the course. of his career as Patriots coach. Arizona and Washington are also both underdogs in their respective Week 18 tilts.
Let’s just say the Pats lose, though. There are other ways for them to get help moving forward with the project order. Here’s another scenario in which New England could overtake the Commanders through tiebreakers depending on the schedule, according to CBS News Boston:
In other words, if you’re a Patriots fan hoping to reach second place, keep your eyes peeled for these matchups. And above all, as painful as it may be, don’t encourage Belichick to win against the Jets.