FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots are stuck between a rock and a hard place entering Sunday’s matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
New England has somewhat miraculously found itself preparing for a meaningful matchup in Week 18, as the outcome will not only influence positioning in the 2025 NFL Draft but also its opponents for next season.
It’s probably best for the Patriots to lose the game, but can they openly tank?
Jerod Mayo probably wants to stay competitive, if not win the game against a group of backups. Drake Maye expects to start, so benching him for one of the secondary options doesn’t send the greatest message. Gillette Stadium will probably be split, as some fans will be looking for a win while others understand what is at stake.
It’s a lose-lose situation unless they go about it a certain way.
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Maye should start the game, as it would send the right message to players after a tough season. New England can’t have these guys thinking the organization quit on them, so put your best foot forward early. Joe Milton III should also play, however, as it will provide an opportunity for the team to evaluate his performance while also keeping the face of the franchise out of harm’s way when things ramp up in the second half.
The Patriots could turn to their backup after halftime while cycling in reserve players to evaluate everyone in a game situation. It’s a helpful way of going about things for the future, and will probably give you a better shot at losing the game and clinching that top pick.
It’s a very nuanced way of going about things, but that’s how they need to attack this thing.
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
