The New England Patriots come into Week 11 with just a two-game gap between themselves and the final AFC wild-card spot.
New England has five teams between it and the Denver Broncos in seventh place, but the inkling of a playoff dream is there because of how average the middle of the AFC has been in 2024.
The Patriots have a winnable game at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, and if they win that contest, they could seriously attempt a playoff push.
In order for the playoff discussion to truly be had, the Patriots need some help from the opponents of teams above them in the standings to make the dream even more real than it currently is.