The final regular season game for the New England Patriots takes place this Sunday, January 5, as they host the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. With the Patriots sitting at just 3-13, they know they won't be continuing their season but still have some weight on the game: the potential to secure the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has confirmed rookie quarterback Drake Maye will be under center, saying, "Drake is our starting quarterback. If he's healthy and ready to go, as we go through this week of practice, then he'll play." This will mark Maye's 12th consecutive start, and the team is eager to see him develop, even if the stakes aren't playoff-related.
The Bills, on the other hand, have locked up the No. 2 seed for the AFC playoffs with their impressive 13-3 record. Consequently, they are expected to rest several starters, including some key defensive players. Although starting quarterback Josh Allen may take the field briefly, the Bills head coach Sean McDermott has stated he will keep many key players, like offensive tackle Dion Dawkins and cornerback Christian Benford, off the field to prepare for the challenges of the playoffs.
This clash between the teams not only carries the weight of pride but will also impact the draft order. If the Patriots lose, they will clinch the No. 1 pick—their first since 1993 when they selected Drew Bledsoe. Conversely, winning the game could drop them to the No. 4 pick, which is significant when considering the difference between available talent.
The atmosphere at Gillette Stadium is expected to be one of mixed emotions—a farewell to the season for the Patriots, who face their bleakest year yet, versus the hopeful anticipation of playoff success for the Bills. For the Bills’ fans and players, the focus will shift to their postseason ambitions, with this game serving merely as preparation.
For viewers interested in catching the action, the game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on CBS. Streaming options are available through platforms such as Paramount+, and there are free trials available for those considering services like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream.
Both teams have their own storylines to follow, with the Patriots hoping to keep their spirits alive and develop their rookie quarterback, and the Bills eyeing potential playoff success. The Patriots, having struggled through their season, have fought hard to mold Maye's skills, aiming to give fans promise for the future.
No matter the outcome, this Week 18 finale serves as another moment of reflection for the Patriots as they move toward the offseason, lining up thought processes for next year's draft. For the Bills, it's about maintaining momentum and building on their successful season as they prepare for the challenges of playoff football.
With the stage set for what promises to be both competitive and reflective, fans will be analyzing the outcome closely. Will the Patriots secure their future with the top draft pick, or will they opt for pride and spoil the Bills' plans? One thing's for certain: this match-up is not merely just another game.