Patriots Are in a Must Lose Situation This Sunday

As the New England Patriots approach their last game of the season against the Buffalo Bills, attention has shifted from playoff aspirations to future prospects, primarily focusing on the draft. With the Patriots' playoff hopes dashed, the team’s draft position has become the primary concern.

Unlike the typical end-of-season discussions during the Brady era, this year the conversation revolves around the possibility of the Patriots intentionally losing to secure a better draft pick. Currently, a loss would guarantee the Patriots the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft—a pivotal position for a team like the Patriots that needs rebuilding.

I've debated ABC Sports Director Nick Coit about this in the past, and he has never been a fan of intentionally losing a game for a better draft position. However, this year's choice is stark: Would a fourth win in 2024 really matter more to the long-term health of the franchise than the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft? The answer is absolutely not.

Coit admitted this year is different. "The Bills will be pulling their starters, and the game is meaningless. This is much different than scenarios of the past. Still, I don't think it's the end of the world if they don't get the No. 1 pick. They're guaranteed something in the top four. If you get the No. 1 pick, then you're going to have teams calling you asking to trade.”

Although some fans and analysts argue against tanking, the value of a top pick would be undeniable to the team. The number one pick could be used to select a game-changing player eligible for this year's draft, like Travis Hunter or Cam Ward.

Coit says that the Patriots need to strengthen key areas, especially around their star quarterback, Drake Maye. While the quarterback position appears settled, Coit says the team should focus on improving the wide receiver corps and their offensive and defensive lines to ensure they have the support needed to lead them to a winning season.

“The good thing about talking about the future is that we have hope," Coit said.

While this season may be disappointing to fans, this year's draft offers a chance to reset. Whether the Patriots secure the number one pick or fall to the number four spot, they will have the opportunity to add high-quality talent to their roster.