Draft race goes prime time Thursday nite … Its probably not what the NFL schedule makers were hoping for when they drew New England to play Pittsburgh in this week’s mid-week prime time game, but game has as much relevance for the early selection order at the 2024 draft than it does for any late-season push for playoff positioning. That’s because New England, at 2-10, are currently sitting on the 2nd overall pick were the draft to be held this week. However, even with a win the Patriots would still be stuck at the #2 puck, at least for the week, as they would be tied with Arizona at 3-10, but the Cardinals have a significantly stronger strength of schedule figure. For the record, Arizona along with Washington which has the 5th pick this week will be on their byes this week. In fact, the Cardinals and Commanders are the final two teams to have their byes this season. Back to the Patriots for a moment, if they are to pull off the upset in Pittsburgh they’ll likely have to do it with back-up QB Bailey Zappe who reportedly will start again in place of Mac Jones despite the fact that New England was shutout at home on Sunday with him under center. The Steelers, who saw their playoff chances take a gut-punch on Sunday when they lost at home to Arizona, at the time another two-win team, will also be going with a backup at QB as veteran Mitch Trubisky will start for an injured Kenny Pickett. And in other QB news that could impact the early draft order, the NY Jets, who have the 6th pick this week, will go back to Zach Wilson at the position Sunday when they host Houston, while the Giants will stick with 3rd stringer Tommy ‘Don’t call me Danny’ DeVito at QB Monday evening with Green Bay in town despite the return of nominal back-up Tyrod Taylor as the Giants are on a modest two-game win streak with DeVito at the helm.
