Before playing the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night, Patriots fans can enjoy a full Sunday of football with playoff implications in most games. The Patriots currently sit in eighth place in the AFC with a 6-6 record. However, they may be able to earn a playoff position by Tuesday morning.
Let’s look at which teams you should root for to help the Patriots’ playoff chances.
Eagles (11-1) at Giants (7-4-1)
There’s no playoff implications for New England in this game. The Eagles have the best record in the NFL with 11 wins, while the Giants are tied with the Commanders for third in the NFC East. Per ESPNStats, this is the first matchup between the two teams, where both teams are multiple games above .500 since 2010. Rooting for the underdog is always fun. Go, Giants!
Jets (7-5) at Bills (9-3)
Patriots fans should keep an eye on this game, as a Jets loss would tremendously help the Patriots. Since New England beat New York twice this season, the Patriots have the tie-breaker. They are in the playoffs if the Jets lose and the Patriots win Monday Night. Go, Bills!
Browns (5-7) at Bengals (8-4)
Another AFC division matchup between the Browns and Bengals takes place Sunday afternoon. The Browns are one game behind the Patriots and creeping toward the playoff picture. However, the Patriots beat the Browns in Week 7 and have the tie-breaker. The Bengals are on the move and upset the Chiefs last week. If the Bengals lose to the Browns, it benefits the Patriots. That said, this is a tough game to predict. Go, Browns!
Vikings (10-2) at Lions (5-7)
ANOTHER division matchup between the Vikings and Lions, where surprisingly, the Lions are favored. Since the Patriots beat the Lions earlier in the year, a win over their division rival would help the Patriots’ strength of victory. Go, Lions!
Ravens (8-4) at Steelers (5-7)
You’ve heard this before, another AFC East division game between the Ravens and Steelers. Lamar Jackson isn’t expected to play, which could lead to the Ravens falling out of first place and being overtaken by the Bengals. The Steelers are playing well lately and could cause chaos to the AFC conference standing if they overtake the Ravens. The Patriots’ first win in 2022 came against the Steelers in Week 2, therefore clinching the tie-breaker. It’s another tough choice. Go, Ravens!
Texans (1-10-1) at Cowboys (9-3)
The Cowboys are 17.5-point home favorites against the struggling Texans. Neither of these teams impact the Patriot’s playoff seeding. The Cowboys are fighting for a division title while the Texans are trying to secure the number 1 draft pick. Let’s root for an action-packed game and pick the underdog to emerge with the win. Go, Texans!
Jaguars (4-8) at Titans (7-5)
The Titans and Jaguars will face off in an AFC South contest. The Titans have a comfortable lead in the AFC South and should clinch another division title; however, they haven’t clinched yet. Go, Jaguars!
Chiefs (9-3) at Broncos (3-9)
The Chiefs and Broncos were originally supposed to play Sunday Night, but the NFL flexed out their game for the Dolphins and Chargers matchup. The Broncos are struggling to pull wins together, whereas the Chiefs are coming off a tough loss to the Bengals. A Broncos win slightly helps the Patriot’s chances… by 1%. Nevertheless, Go, Broncos!
Buccaneers (6-6) at 49ers (8-4)
Tom Brady is set to play only his second game against the 49ers in San Francisco; his first appearance was in Week 10 of 2016. Both NFC teams are in the playoffs, but the 49ers lost their starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and it will be the seventh-round draft selection, Brock Purdy, to start against Tom Brady. This game doesn’t affect New England’s play chances, but it’s never bad to root for Brady. Go, Bucs!
Panthers (4-8) at Seahawks (7-5)
The four-win Panthers and seven-win Seahawks will battle it out in Seattle. Sam Darnold will get his start, while the Seahawks’ Geno Smith has played terrific all season. During the 2022 draft, the Patriots traded with the Panthers to move back in the draft, and during that process, the Patriots acquired a third-round 2023 pick. Every Panthers loss helps boost that pick. Go, Seahawks!
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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.
