The Patriots’ playoff chances are slim but are still possible. However, they will need their offense to improve significantly in the final two games. Somehow the Patriots still control their density. If they beat Miami and Buffalo, then, believe it or not, no matter what, they’re in the playoffs. However, it gets more complicated if they lose to the Bills next week. First things first, they have to win Sunday. A loss against the Dolphins would eliminate them from contention.
Let’s dive in and look at what teams you should root for that would help the Patriots’ playoff chances.
Panthers (6-9) at Buccaneers (7-8)
No one would have guessed this pivotal Week 17 matchup would decide the NFC South division, but here we are. Although this game will not impact the Patriots’ playoff chances, every Panthers loss increases their draft picks. In the 2022 draft, the Panthers traded their third-round pick to the Patriots, and every loss helped the Patriots’ selection. So let’s see what Brady can do. Go, Bucs!
Bears (3-12) at Lions (7-8)
The Patriots played both these teams, beating the Lions but losing on Monday night to the Bears. If the Lions beat the Bears, it will help the Patriots’ strength of victory tiebreaker. Go, Lions!
Broncos (4-11) at Chiefs (12-3)
This matchup is a crucial one to pay attention to for the Patriots’ playoff race. If the Bills beat the Bengals on Monday night, and the Broncos upset the Chiefs, the Bills will clinch the No. 1 seed. The Bills and Patriots face off in Week 18, and if they clinch the No. 1 seed this week, they could rest starters in Week 18. The Broncos fired their head coach earlier this week, so let’s see what they can do. Go, Broncos!
Colts (4-10-1) at Giants (8-6-1)
The Patriots beat the Colts in Week 9; therefore, a Colts would help the Patriots’ strength of victory. Meanwhile, the Giants could clinch the Patriots for the first time since 2016. Go, Giants!
Saints (6-9) at Eagles (13-2)
The Eagles are fighting for the No. 1 seed with the 49ers, while the Saints have a 1% chance to make the playoffs. This game won’t matter for the Patriots, but it’s always exciting when the underdog wins. Go, Saints!
Jaguars (7-8) at Texans (2-12-1)
Although the Patriots haven’t played the Jaguars or Texans, this game will matter. The Jaguars and Titans are each looking to secure the AFC South division title. Both teams have crucial games this week but square off in Week 18. If the Jaguars beat the Texans this week, the winner of next week’s matchup won’t affect the Patriot’s playoff chances. However, if the Texans beat the Jaguars in Week 17 and the Titans beat the Jaguars in Week 18, the Jaguars would take over as the seventh seed in the AFC, knocking out the Patriots if New England loses to the Bills. So Patriots fans should root for the Jaguars to win one more game this season. Go, Jaguars!
Browns (6-9) at Commanders (7-7-1)
The Patriots stomped on the Browns in Week 6 as if it was their only game this season. They scored 30+ points. The Commanders are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, a Browns win would help the Patriots’ strength of victory. Go, Browns!
Cardinals (4-11) at Falcons (5-10)
New England got a much-needed win against a poor Cardinals team, and they got the job done in Week 14. Both of these teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, but a Cardinals win helps — you heard this before, New England’s strength of victory. Go, Cardinals!
Jets (7-8) at Seahawks (7-8)
IMPORTANT: Patriots fans, this may be the most crucial game of the week besides the Patriots’ game. If the Patriots beat the Dolphins but lose to the Bills, they will need a couple of games to fall their way. They’ll need the Dolphins to lose out, which means failing the Patriots and then losing to the Jets, which is doable since the Jets are also fighting for a playoff spot. However, it’s tricky since if the Jets win in Weeks 17 and 18 and the Patriots lose one of their remaining games; the Jets are in the playoffs. So Patriots fans will need the Jets to lose this week against the Seahawks. Go, Seahawks!
49ers (11-4) at Raiders (6-9)
The Raiders still have a chance to make the playoffs, and they surprisingly benched longtime starting quarterback Derek Carr this week. Las Vegas will need everything to go their way, and it’s improbable for the dominos to fall to them. However, there’s a chance, and it better be safe than sorry. GO 49ers!
Vikings (12-3) at Packers (7-8)
The Patriots have lost to both teams this year, and both games came down to the wire. Unfourtnely, the Patriots lost to the Packers in OT and lost to the Vikings in dramatic fashion on Thanksgiving. This game doesn’t influence the Patriots’ postseason odds, so I am rooting for a good game!
Rams (5-10) at Chargers (9-6)
Last Monday Night, the Chargers beat the Colts 20-3 and clinched a wild card spot, meaning the Patriots can’t kick them out. Meanwhile, the Rams are already eliminated from the playoffs. It’s always good to see an AFC team lose. Go, Rams!
Steelers (7-8) at Ravens (10-5)
Similar to the Raiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff chances are hanging on by a thread. The Patriots lost to the Ravens in Week 3 but beat the Steelers in Week 2. However, the possibility that the Steelers could knock out the Patriots’ triumph is a possible tiebreaker. Go, Ravens!
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
