There’s a faction of the Patriots fanbase that is not so silently rooting for the team to lose because it could be more beneficial for the team in the long term.

Losing would help to improve the 2024 NFL Draft slot for a Patriots team that was eliminated from playoff contention this weekend.

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Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who has emerged as one of the team’s best overall players this season, was asked what he would say to fans who want to see the team lose.

“We ain’t here just to give games up,” Barmore said. “We’re here to play football.”

Barmore ranks top 20 among interior defenders in overall defensive grade, pass rush grade, pressures, batted passes and defensive stops, via PFF metrics.

The Patriots will head into next year’s draft with a major need at quarterback, and the best way to acquire a franchise QB is with a top pick. So, it’s understandable for fans to see little advantage to winning.

At the same time, there is no benefit for most players or coaches on the Patriots to tank since their own livelihood is at stake. A player should not voluntarily play worse to help a team that they might not be on in the near future. And most coaches should not be rooting for their players to perform worse if they’re not guaranteed jobs in the future.