Icing on the Cake? New England Patriots' Sunday Rooting Guide After Upset Win Over Pittsburgh Steelers

A couple of results Sunday could increase the chances of the idle New England Patriots closing in on the No. 1 pick in next year's NFL Draft.

Yes, we're saying there's a chance the New England Patriots could miraculously still make the playoffs. But it's less than one percent, so let's be more realistic with our rooting shall we?

Coming off last Thursday's prime-time win-win in which the Pats both upset the Steelers and retained the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they get a rare weekend  off in December. Time to reflect on a rare victory, and to root for other downtrodden teams to win.

Entering Week 14 the Patriots have the second pick, but just barely. They have three wins, with five four-win teams "breathing" down their neck.

On top of Thursday's win, these results by the teams sniffing around for the No. 1 pick would sweeten the week even more for the Patriots. Your Sunday rooting guide:

The Patriots will spend an idle Sunday rooting for results that could help them land the No. 1 pick in next year's NFL Draft

1. 1-11 Panthers beat Saints - The pick belongs to the Bears because of last year's trade up for Bryce Young. New Orleans is only 5-7, so this might be Carolina's last chance for a win.

2. 3-10 Patriots - Off.

3. 3-10 Cardinals - Bye.

4. 4-9 Commanders - Bye.

5. 4-8 Bears beat Lions - With 2021 pick Justin Fields already at quarterback, would Chicago take another one if it winds up owning two of the top five selections next April?

Patriots Survive Steelers' Rally For Upset Win

6. 4-8 Jets beat Texans - Pats own the head-to-head tiebreaker over New York, which in this case is not a good thing.

7. 4-8 Giants beat Packers - New England lost to New York, so unless the Pats win two more games this isn't really a threat to their lofty pick.

8. 4-8 Titans beat Dolphins - Unlikeliest of all these scenarios, as Tennessee heads to South Florida a 13-point underdog.

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