DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
At this point in the NFL season, teams who have had a tough season are playing for pride, and the players/coaches are showcasing themselves for next season. Of course, those teams can also play the role of spoiler. Here are three teams who can play spoiler and a breakdown of how they can do it.
New England Patriots:
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 17: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots runs with the football during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
The Patriots play Arizona, Buffalo (twice), and the Los Angeles Chargers to finish out the season. Here’s what could happen:
A New England victory in Week 15 spoils Arizona’s fading chances to win the NFC West.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts to a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
A victory over Buffalo could cost the Bills a bye, or even the 2 seed in the AFC.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after his team’s 24-18 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
In Week 17, if the Chargers lose, they could wind up being the 7 seed and going to Buffalo or Pittsburgh.
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 6: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers duding training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 6, 2023 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
New York Jets:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers is trying to pad his stats just in case he wants to have one last Tour of the NFL before retirement. Here’s what could happen:
New York dispatches Jacksonville easily in Week 15, potentially costing Doug Pederson his job
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks toward the video board during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 17, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jaguars 52-6. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)
In Week 16, the Jets beat the Rams, keeping the Rams out of the playoffs.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to pass during the first half of Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
In Week 17, Buffalo loses to a division rival and loses a potential BYE.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 24: James Cook #28 and Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills celebrate a touchdown during the second half in the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
In Week 18, the Jets end Miami’s wild-card chances with a victory.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 5: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of Miami Dolphins looks on during the NFL match between Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs at Deutsche Bank Park on November 5, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns:
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after his team’s 29-24 win against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Jameis Winston is playing for a starting job next season, whether in Cleveland or elsewhere.
Week 15 Cleveland tries to end Kansas City’s luck.
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 04: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Week 16, the Browns beat their rivals in Cincinnati.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium on September 30, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Week 17 Jameis goes back to Florida and tries to derail the Dolphins playoff chances.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Jonnu Smith #9 of the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on November 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
In Week 18, Cleveland might cost Baltimore positioning in the wild card standings or a chance to catch the Steelers in the division.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
