In Week 16 of the NFL season, the New England Patriots had a tough test in front of them. Coming off a close 35-31 loss to Buffalo the prior week, the Patriots went on the road to play the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday Night Football. This was a big game for the Patriots, as a win against the Ravens meant New England would clinch a spot in the playoffs.
Things were tough for the Patriots as multiple players were banged up or ruled out due to injuries during the game. The score wasn't any better, with the Patriots down 24-13 with 12:50 left in the fourth quarter. After the Ravens' last touchdown, Drake Maye helped command two touchdown drives, with Kyle Williams bringing in a 37-yard touchdown catch and Rhamondre Stevenson giving the Patriots the lead with a 21-yard rushing touchdown.
Baltimore's hopes were dashed when K'Lavon Chaisson punched the ball from Zay Flowers' hands, with the Patriots recovering. New England ran the clock out, securing a win and playoff spot.
Now at 12-3, the Patriots still hold the lead in the division, but could look to pursue the No. 1 seed, which is now in play following the Denver Broncos' 34-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16. While the Patriots would need to win out and have Denver lose in either Week 17 or 18, ESPN's Bill Barnwell explained why the Patriots have one clear reason to want to clinch the No. 1 seed.
Injuries Piling Up for Patriots at Worst Possible Time
After remaining healthy for almost the entire season, injuries have started to mount for the Patriots. In the Week 16 game against the Ravens, TreVeyon Henderson was ruled out after suffering a head injury, severely hampering the running game. In addition, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Khrys Tonga left the game at various points, while players such as Christian Barmore and Carlton Davis III were playing through injuries. This issue was only further compounded with the Patriots already being without Robert Spillane due to a foot injury.
New England also has key players on injured reserve in Milton Williams and Will Campbell. Though Williams could return in Week 17, Campbell will be out a minimum of one more week. With all these injuries piling up for the Patriots, earning the No. 1 seed and the extra week of rest that comes with it could be beneficial for the franchise's playoff run.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, the Patriots' schedule has been one of the easiest of any team in the 21st century, but that doesn't mean they are destined for an early playoff exit. To win, though, they will need to be as healthy as possible, and the extra week off will help them achieve that. Obviously, the fate of winning the AFC is out of the Patriots' control, but New England should still go for it.
Closing out the season, the Patriots will take on the New York Jets in Week 17 and the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. New York has struggled all season, currently sitting at 3-12 on the year. Miami has been a bit up-and-down, with a record of 6-9, but did recently make a move at quarterback. Regardless, for the Patriots to clinch the No. 1 seed, they'll need to win both games.