Christmas Wish List: Patriots Week 16 Rooting Guide Toward No. 1 Draft Pick

A loss by the New England Patriots coupled with an upset or two could bolster their pick in next April's NFL Draft.

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.

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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.

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