Is This (Embarrassing) Patriots Bet Worth Making Amid Downward Spiral?

The Patriots suffered another deflating loss Sunday, and fans are wondering how much worse things can get.

New England lost to the Washington Commanders 20-17 at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots’ 2-7 record made them the worst team in the AFC after Week 9, and concerns grew over Bill Belichick’s job security, especially after Mac Jones seemingly expressed a lack of faith in the team. Ownership might also not be enamored with the team’s ability to turn things around.

The Patriots would have the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft if the season ended after Week 9. So, they’re not the worst team in the league — right now. But is it possible New England could own that distinction by season’s end?

New England had 10-1 odds as of Monday morning on FanDuel Sportsbook to finish with the worst record in the NFL. The 1-8 Arizona Cardinals are the favorites, with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants and Chicago Bears ahead of the Patriots, as well.

It’s probably crazy to think the Patriots would be worse than the Cardinals, who started rookie Clayton Tune on Sunday, or the Giants, who likely will lose Daniel Jones for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

But let’s take a brief look at the rest of New England’s schedule after Week 9. The Patriots are on a bye in Week 11.

Indianapolis Colts
New York Giants
Los Angeles Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs
Denver Broncos
Buffalo Bills
New York Jets

Given the state of the team, it’s hard to pencil in any wins for New England. The matchup against the Giants will be interesting for draft purposes, and the Patriots might be able to handle the Broncos. But every other matchup — except for the Chiefs and Bills — is a toss-up.

Again, teams below the Patriots are worse for a reason. The Panthers at least have an incentive to not bottom out since the Bears control their first-round pick from a trade for the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. But the 10-1 price is the best it’s going to be for the rest of the season, and if you want to buy into more turmoil for New England, it’s best to get that price before it shortens.