The Patriots will play the Las Vegas Raiders at 4:05 Sunday afternoon in a vital game for the Patriots’ playoff chances. If everything goes right, the Patriots could have a 60% chance to make the playoffs, although their chances could fall to 20% if they lose.
The patriots currently sit in seventh place in the AFC with a 7-6 record. So let’s see which games matter and who you should root for to help the Patriots’ playoff chances.
Lions (6-7) at Jets (7-6)
Who would think that when the Jets and Lions were facing each other, the Jets would be 7-6, and the Lions would be 6-7? This game will have huge playoff implications for both teams, as both are just outside of a wild card spot. A New York loss will give the Patriots more cushion room with the Jets, and the Jets must lose this game. So, patriots fans, get ready to root for Dan Campbell. Go Lions!
Eagles (12-1) at Bears (3-10)
The Patriots played the Bears in their first primetime matchup of the year, and it was an awful game for the Patriots. The Bears are a three-win team, with one of their wins coming against the Patriots. The Eagles should soundly beat the Bears, which would help the Patriots’ strength of schedule. Go Eagles!
Steelers (5-8) at Panthers (5-8)
The Steelers will be without starting quarterback Kenny Picket while the Panthers can take control of the NFC South with a win and a Bucs loss. The NFC South has looked terrible all season, and somehow the five-win Panthers could be the four-seed Sunday Night. This game won’t impact the Patriots’ postseason chances, but it will impact their draft position. The Panthers traded with the Patriots in the 2022 draft, and Bill Belichick now owns the Panthers’ third round. Go, Panthers!
Chiefs (10-3) at Texans (1-11)
The Patriots’ playoff chances won’t be affected by this game. Furthermore, this should be a blowout for the Chiefs, and it shouldn’t be an exciting game to watch. However, I always root for the underdog. Go, Texans!
Cowboys (10-3) at Jaguars (5-8)
The Cowboys are trying to catch the Eagles for first place In the NFC East, while the Jaguars are trying to increase their playoff chances. Mathematically, the Jaguars are still in the playoff race, but with a loss against the Cowboys, they will likely be eliminated. Go, Cowboys!
Falcons (5-8) at Saints (4-9)
Another NFC division game that won’t affect the Patriots’ chances. However, it is a crucial game in the South. Both the Falcons and Saints are in the division race. But, again, this game doesn’t matter for the Patriots, so root for your favorite out of the two.
Patriots (7-6) at Raiders (5-8)
It’s pretty obvious… Go Pats! The Patriots control their destiny. A win would keep them in the playoffs, while a loss would likely kick them out.
Cardinals (4-9) at Broncos (3-10)
The Cardinals just lost to the Patriots on Monday night, meaning if the Broncos beat the Cardinals, it will help the Patriots’ strength of victory, which is an important tiebreaker. Go Broncos!
Bengals (9-4) at Buccaneers (6-7)
Before the Bengals head to New England, they will play former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. If the Buccaneers manage an upset and beat the Bengals, and if the Patriots beat the Raiders today, next week’s game will be critical for the Patriots to pull even with the Bengals. Go Bucs!
Titans (7-6) at Chargers (7-6)
The Chargers are slowly creeping behind the Patriots for the final playoff spot. A Titans win would be HUGE for the Patriots’ playoff chances. The Chargers’ schedule only gets easier, while the Patriots’ games get harder. This may be the biggest game other than the Patriots’ game to keep an eye on. Go, Titans!
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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.
