Current:Home > MyThe absurd way the 2-10 New England Patriots can still make the NFL playoffs -Wealthify
The absurd way the 2-10 New England Patriots can still make the NFL playoffs
View
Date:2025-04-25 01:01:00
The New England Patriots are not a good football team anymore. Gone are the days where fans in Foxborough could count on 10+ wins and an AFC East title. Ahead of the team's Thursday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots sit at 2-10, the worst record in the AFC. They haven't won a game since Oct. 22 and haven't scored double-digit points in three straight games.
If the season ended today, the Patriots would hold the second overall pick, their highest pick since they took Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1993. They are basement-dwellers of the NFL, and definitely not a playoff team...right?
Well...
The Patriots still have a path to the playoffs
There is still a slim chance that the Patriots can reach the playoffs this year. Obviously, it's not likely, but even at 2-10, with their best possible record an abysmal 7-10, the Patriots have a shot at the playoffs.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
Here's what needs to happen.
- The Patriots need to win out
- Their next five games are as follows: @ PIT, v. KC, @ DEN, @ BUF, v. NYJ
- The Pittsburgh Steelers need to lose out
- Their next five games: v. NE, @ IND, v. CIN, @ SEA, @ BAL
- The Houston Texans need to lose out
- Their next five games: @ NYJ, @ TEN, v. CLE, v. TEN, @ IND
- The Bengals need to beat the Steelers in Week 16 and lose the rest of their games
- Their next five games: v. IND, v. MIN, @ PIT, @ KC, v. CLE
- The Los Angeles Chargers need to win their next two games against the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, then lose to the Bills, Broncos, and Chiefs in the final three weeks
- The Broncos to lose their next three to the Chargers, Lions, and Patriots, win their Week 17 matchup against the Chargers, then lose to the Raiders in Week 18
- The Bills to lose to the Chiefs and Cowboys, beat the Chargers, then lose to the Patriots and Dolphins
What would the playoffs look like if all of this happened?
Here would be the AFC playoffs if all of the above happened:
*standings listed are not guaranteed
- Baltimore Ravens
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Miami Dolphins
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cleveland Browns
- Indianapolis Colts
- New England Patriots
Of course, the teams at the top could shift around. The Ravens could lose to the 49ers while the Dolphins beat the Cowboys. Other things could happen that have nothing to do with the Patriots reaching the playoffs, but all that matters in this situation is that we see New England in that seven spot.
Is there a chance all this happens?
Don't make me laugh.
Even if every other team played their part, the Patriots, who have scored more than 20 points just once all year, would have to take down the Chiefs, Bills, and possibly a Jets team with Aaron Rodgers back under center.
The Patriots are not going to reach the playoffs, but it is astonishing to realize that despite how atrocious they've been, how bad they've looked, how horrible the offense has played, they are not mathematically out of the hunt yet despite only having two wins.
NFL Week 14 picks:Will Cowboys topple Eagles, turn playoff race on its head?
veryGood! (936)
Related
- Sam Taylor
- Mideast countries that are already struggling fear price hikes after Russia exits grain deal
- Judge denies bond for woman charged in crash that killed newlywed, saying she's a flight risk
- 29 inches of rain from Saturday to Wednesday was Beijing’s heaviest rainfall in 140 years
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- 10 pieces of smart tech that make your pets’ lives easier
- Pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 right now and save up to $300 via trade-in
- Utah law requiring age verification for porn sites remains in effect after judge tosses lawsuit
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- GOP nominee for Kentucky governor separates himself from ex-governor who feuded with educators
Ranking
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- Defense Dept. confirms North Korea responded to outreach about Travis King
- Nordstrom National Beauty Director Autumne West Shares Her Favorite Deals From the Anniversary Sale
- Prosecutor involved in Jan. 6 cases says indictment has been returned as Trump braces for charges
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Too Hot to Handle’s Georgia Hassarati Calls Out Ex-Boyfriend Harry Jowsey for Cheating Allegations
- Gay NYC dancer fatally stabbed while voguing at gas station; hate crime investigation launched
- SAG-AFTRA is worried about AI, but can it really replace actors? It already has.
Recommendation
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Poorly designed crossing contributed to fatal 2022 Missouri Amtrak derailment, officials say
Hawaii man dies after being mauled by 4 large dogs, police investigate owners under negligence law
Lighthouse featured in ‘Forrest Gump’ goes dark after lightning strike
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Why Keke Palmer Doesn't Want to Set Unrealistic Body Standards Amid Postpartum Journey
The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to $1.25 billion. Here’s how hard it is to win
RHOBH's Erika Jayne Addresses Ozempic Use Speculation Amid Weight Loss