Christmas Wish List: Patriots Week 16 Rooting Guide Toward No. 1 Draft Pick
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If you're still invested in the 2023 New England Patriots, you're hoping Santa works a Christmas miracle tonight in Denver and brings the gift of a rare victory.
But if you've already turned the page to 2024 - and beyond - the Grinch gift-wrapping another loss on Christmas Eve against the Broncos would be just fine.
By the time the 3-11 Pats kick-off tonight at 8:15 p.m. at Mile High Stadium, the field could be covered in snow and their outlook for the future might be improved.
In the "race" for a primo pick in next April's NFL Draft, the Patriots enter the day with the No. 2 overall selection. That position could improve - even to No. 1 - depending upon results of earlier Sunday games.
A look at the Pats' Christmas Eve rooting guide:
1. 2-12 Carolina Panthers over Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. - After their last-second, upset win last week the Panthers (whose pick is owned by the Chicago Bears) are only one game "ahead" of the Pats. At 6-8 the Packers need a lot of help to stay in the NFC Wild Card hunt, but they will be playing to win.
2. Broncos over 3-11 Patriots, 8:15 p.m. - If you, at this point, covet North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye more than Hall-of-Fame coach Bill Belichick, a loss would be a win.
3. 3-11 Arizona Cardinals over 5-9 Bears, 4:25 p.m. - Currently the Pats own the "tiebreaker" over the Cards based on opponents' win percentage. A win by Arizona would all but seal New England picking No. 1 or 2.
4. 4-10 Washington Commanders at 5-9 New York Jets, 1 p.m. - Getting greedy here, but a Washington Win would whittle the race for No. 1 down to just three teams.
