The New England Patriots enter Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills with major implications for their future.
A loss to Buffalo at Gillette Stadium would secure the No. 1 overall pick for the Patriots after the New York Giants fell out of that spot in Week 17. New England played Buffalo tough in a competitive 24-21 loss in Week 16.
The problem is that the juice ran out a week later when the Los Angeles Chargers dismantled New England in a 40-7 final in Week 17. New England faces an uphill climb, though Buffalo has a decision to make for the season finale.
The Bills are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC and clinched the AFC East weeks ago. Therefore, their stars, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen, have nothing to play for, but Sean McDermott could give them a breather entering the postseason.
If the Bills indeed sit key starters, this Patriots squad, potentially playing for Jerod Mayo’s job, could have a greater chance to play.
That would be the case if New England plays like it did the first time in Buffalo. If the team that took the field against the Chargers shows up to Gillette Stadium, it won’t even matter and that No. 1 pick will likely be more than secure at One Patriot Place.
The Patriots will have a Top-5 selection in the draft in back-to-back seasons for just the third time in franchise history. It’s the first since 1993 and 1994 when Drew Bledsoe and Willie McGinest set the tone for a new core in New England.
