The Patriots were eliminated from playoff contention several weeks ago, but there is something on the line when they take on the Jets in their regular-season finale.
Entering Week 18, the Patriots are in a three-way tie with the Cardinals and Commanders for the league’s second-worst record, which means they’re in play to get the No. 2 overall pick. The Panthers clinched the league’s worst record last week, so the Bears (who received the Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick in a trade last offseason) hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
If the Patriots want the chance to land one of the top two quarterback prospects in the draft, they’ll likely need the No.