The Patriots’ 21-18 victory against the Steelers on Thursday went against the hope of obtaining the No. 1 selection in the NFL Draft.
Still, while New England lost ground on the top pick, it managed to maintain its projected second overall selection following Sunday’s action.
The Bears continue to enjoy the Panthers’ misfortune since they own Carolina’s first-round pick. The Panthers lost, 28-6, to the Saints to fall to 1-12 on the season, giving Chicago a two-game cushion atop the draft order.
The Patriots and Cardinals are both 3-10 after Arizona’s bye week, but New England’s lower strength of schedule gives it the tiebreaker.