Win For Losing: Patriots Closer to No. 1 Pick in NFL Draft After Loss to Chiefs?

AFI | American Football | 12/18/2023

Photo: Kansas City Chiefs

Story by Jonathan Alfano

The New England Patriots may have lost the battle in the form of a 27-17 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, but they took a big step towards winning the war.

That war is, of course, the quest for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, it seemed as though New England was out of the running for the top pick.

However, Sunday’s early results have put the Patriots right back into that conversation. Not only did they lose to fall to 3-11 on the season, but the Carolina Panthers, who owe their first-round pick to the Chicago Bears after trading up to No. 1 overall to select Bryce Young in April, upset the Atlanta Falcons to improve to 2-12.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the Patriots’ first-round pick at the 2018 NFL Draft.© Provided by Patriot Maven on FanNation

Now, the Patriots are back within striking distance for the grand prize in this year’s draft. The best part? New England’s strength of schedule is .524 compared to Carolina’s .526, so if that holds and the two teams finish with the same record, the Patriots would pick before the Panthers.

Obviously, New England still needs to lose out and have Carolina win another game for that to happen. Looking at their end of season schedule, the Patriots face the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets in that order. They will likely be sizable underdogs against the Broncos and Bills, but the Jets game may be more of a toss-up.

Meanwhile, the Panthers still play the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close out the season. All three of those teams are vying for playoff spots, and will likely be heavy favorites over Carolina. The best hope for another Panthers win may be if the Buccaneers have wrapped up the NFC South and end up resting their starters in the regular-season finale.

Most assume that the Patriots will take their quarterback of the future, whether that be Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or whoever else, and if they’re able to “win” the top pick, they’ll have whichever passer they desire.

Original article: FanNation.