Believe it or not, the Patriots' 2024 playoff hopes are still alive as they head into their Week 13 matchup against the Colts. Despite their 3-9 record, the AFC is an utter mess this year. Therefore, New England hasn't been eliminated from postseason contention yet.
That puts even more pressure on them to get the job done on Sunday, besides the need to get another win this season after last week's disastrous showing against the Dolphins. That's likely more of their focus than trying to compete for a spot in the playoffs at this point, but it's still part of the equation nonetheless.
To make that happen, many things would need to align perfectly to keep the playoff door open. The Boston Globe's Christopher Price shared all the ways the Patriots can be eliminated this week, with winning being the main factor to keep them in the running.
The Patriots can be eliminated from playoff contention this weekend. pic.twitter.com/VZispLZQ1Q
— Christopher Price (@cpriceglobe) November 26, 2024
Considering how poorly this year has gone, it's almost incomprehensible that they haven't been eliminated, especially given how tough the conference has been in recent years. On top of that, one of the favorites to head to the Super Bowl, the Jets, was essentially eliminated a few weeks ago, making it all the more funny that New England is still hanging on by a thread.
Remaining on the fringe of a wildcard spot is unlikely to motivate the Patriots this week, as rumors regarding the coaching staff continue to heat up. It would be far more beneficial to focus on not playing embarrassingly bad like they did in Week 12 rather than hoping to be a playoff contender for one more week.
We need to see vast improvement in all areas of the team, as none of the three phases of the game were performing at an even standard level against the Dolphins last Sunday. It was a disappointing development and has brought on much more pessimism than anything else, which doesn't bode well for Jerod Mayo and Co. finishing their first season together.