The Patriots’ quest for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft just got a bit more complicated. With their current standing, they hold the first overall pick, but the outcome of their Week 18 game against the Bills will determine their draft positioning. If they lose, they’ll hold onto the coveted pick, but if they win, they’ll fall somewhere in the top five.¹
The Browns, who currently have the third overall selection, are also in the mix and might be interested in taking the top spot from the Patriots. They’ve even gone as far as to start former Patriots backup quarterback Bailey Zappe in their regular-season finale against the Ravens, which some see as a move to intentionally lose and improve their draft position.
This development adds some intrigue to the Patriots’ season finale, as they’ll need to balance their desire to win with the potential benefits of securing the top draft pick.
