The New England Patriots concluded a bitter season on a high note. It wasn't enough to save their coach's job. Joe Milton III passed for a touchdown and ran for another in his professional debut, and the Patriots cost themselves the No.

Joe Milton scored two touchdowns after relieving a healthy Maye in the first quarter to push the Patriots to a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. As a result, though, the Patriots will hold pick No. 4 in the 2025 NFL Draft. A loss to the Bills would’ve given New England the No. 1 pick.

The New England Patriots entered Sunday with a strong chance to earn the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Hosting the Buffalo Bills (who openly planned to rest their starters) at Gillette Stadium, the Pats just needed to lose one more time this year in order to have their pick of all the top prospects.