Patriots shockingly still have a path to the postseason this year

In a wild turn of events, the unbelievable is still achievable; the Patriots, who currently sit with a 2-10 record, still have a path to the playoffs this year. As outlandish as that sounds, the way to make it happen may be even more unfathomable.

How can they make the impossible possible?

First, they'd have to win their final five games. That means beating the Steelers, Chiefs, Broncos, Bills, and Jets to end the season. That would take them to a 7-10 record, which still isn't great. But it would put them in a position to have a chance at making the playoffs. The problem is that they need to have many more ducks falling in a row for that to happen.

So, as unlikely it is that they'll win out in the final five weeks of the season, it's more unlikely that the six teams they need to lose out or only win certain games will actually happen.

It's quite a stretch for many reasons and seems like a dream scenario at this point, but anything can happen on any given Sunday, right?

That may be true, but it also seems like most Patriots fans have moved on from the idea of this happening in 2023. A lot of focus has already shifted to the draft in April, mainly on quarterbacks and wide receivers, making any desire to see the team win more games this season a forgotten staple.

It would actually be more beneficial if New England lost more games, especially since their remaining strength of schedule is only slightly higher than the Panthers', creating an opportunity for the Patriots to slide up to take over the first-round pick.

Imagine if that were to become reality. It would make dealing with a horrendous season a bit better, as long as whoever is the general manager at that point (since speculation suggests it may not be Bill Belichick) drafts appropriately, that is.

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