As the Patriots prepare to take on the Bills for the second time in as many weeks, a lot is going on behind the scenes that has been dominating headlines that don't involve their chances against their divisional rival. Most of the conversation has shifted to the speculated job security of the current regime and whether Robert Kraft will make changes as the season comes to an end.
Additionally, the outcome of their Week 18 game will determine a lot about the organization's future beyond just who coaches on the sideline. The Patriots currently hold the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and what happens on Sunday will dictate their draft positioning.
If they lose, they hold onto the coveted pick. If they win, they will fall somewhere in the top five. That has other teams salivating at the idea of taking the spot from New England, including the Browns, who currently have the third overall selection.
Although they're on the hook for Deshaun Watson's contract through at least the 2026 season, they might be interested in a quarterback or an offensive weapon to help increase their chances of success next season. That might explain their decision to have former Patriots backup quarterback Bailey Zappe be the starter on Saturday, as reported on Thursday afternoon.
Browns QB Bailey Zappe will start in Saturday’s regular-season finale vs. the Ravens, as @twithersAP reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 2, 2025
READ MORE: Latest 2025 NFL Draft intel is bad news for the Patriots
The Patriots' competition for the first overall pick in 2025 has heated up just days before Week 18
The Browns have had quarterback trouble in the years since they decided to move on from Baker Mayfield and trade for Watson despite his lengthy, controversial history. The ex-Texans starter has been beyond disappointing since his arrival, and after suffering an injury earlier this year, the team has had difficulty finding a suitable replacement.
In Watson's absence, they have experimented with a few players, including Dorian Thompson Robinson and Jameis Winston. But it appears they are not satisfied with either player, as they are now turning to Zappe, whom they picked up from the Chiefs practice squad earlier in the season.
It's possible they believe he is their best option, and that might be true. However, given how poorly he played last season for the Patriots, this feels like a move hoping to secure another loss than actively trying to win.
Their chances are pretty slim regardless because they're facing the Ravens and are already considered 20.5-point underdogs to the AFC North Champions. So, throwing Zappe into the mix doesn't make much difference. They could be trying to evaluate what they have in him since their quarterback room is a mess for 2025, which is smart, but seeing the Browns add another loss is bad news for the Patriots' chances for the top spot in the draft.
That explains why many analysts and fans believe it would be best for them to lose to the Bills again, no matter what.