Patriots Defeat Bills, Lose Top Draft Pick

In the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season, the New England Patriots secured a surprising 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, who rested their starters and had already clinched a playoff spot. This win, while ending a six-game losing streak, cost the Patriots the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, dropping them to fourth place in the draft order. Fans speculated that the Bills might have intentionally lost to sabotage the Patriots' draft position, although it was likely a strategy to avoid injuries ahead of the playoffs. Following the game, Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo, despite his team's effort to finish the season on a positive note. The victory drew mixed reactions from fans, many of whom had hoped for a loss to secure a better draft position, illustrating the complex emotions surrounding the team's disappointing season. The Titans, Browns, and Giants overtook New England in the draft order as a result of the Patriots' unexpected win.