Temporary Stay of Execution: Despite Win over Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots Eliminated From Playoffs This Weekend?

On a rare "Victory Friday," the New England Patriots have both the No. 2 pick in next year's NFL Draft and a 1-percent chance of making the playoffs. Enjoy it ... while you can.

In a New England Patriots' season littered with many more valleys than peaks, Thursday night's nationally televised upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers may be the high point.

In the short term, it's a temporary stay of execution for the Pats' implausible playoff chances. For the future, did it save Bill Belichick's job?

For the first time in a long time - since beating the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 22 - they looked like a competent football team. In an NFL showcase game in which fans cringed in fear of a low-scoring, embarrassing performance, the Patriots provided a pleasant surprise.

Hunter Henry and the Patriots are still alive in the NFL playoff race ... barely.  / USA Today

Bailey Zappe was efficient, and at times excellent at quarterback with three touchdown passes. The offensive line allowed only two sacks. The team committed only one turnover. And the defense, as it has been all season, was playoff-caliber.

If nothing else, it's a brief respite from the downtrodden defeats in Foxboro. But, bottom line, the 21-18 win that lifts their record 3-10 does little to affect their season spiral.

If the Pats would have lost or tied, they would be officially eliminated from the playoffs. That is still likely to happen this weekend, as if any of the following results occur New England will be mathematically kaput:

Patriots Survive Steelers' Rally For Upset Win

*Texans beat or tie Jets.

*Bengals beat or tie Colts.

*Raiders beat Vikings + Bills beat or tie Chiefs.

*Raiders tie Vikings + Bills beat Chiefs.

For now - on a rare "Victory Friday" - the Patriots have both the No. 2 pick in next year's NFL Draft and a 1-percent chance of making the playoffs. Enjoy it, while you can.

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