With just three weeks remaining in the regular season, the 2024 NFL draft order is starting to take shape. With this draft class featuring two blue-chip caliber quarterback prospects draft positioning is more important than most draft classes and just a few games producing different results than expected can drastically change things.
These eight games headline the most important down the stretch of the season that will have big 2024 NFL draft order implications over the final three weeks.
Remaining Games With the Biggest 2024 NFL Draft Implications
Week 16: Sunday, December 24 at 1:00 PM EST: Washington Commanders @ New York Jets
The Commanders (fourth overall) and the Jets (sixth overall) both look likely to get top ten or potentially top five picks in the 2024 NFL draft and this game will go a long way towards determining that.
Week 16: Sunday, December 24 at 1:00 PM EST: Green Bay Packers @ Carolina Panthers
After the Panthers’ 9-7 victory over the Falcons on Sunday it’s not a done deal that the Bears will receive the top overall selection via last year’s trade. If the Panthers who currently sit a 2-12 pick up another win or two, the Patriots and Cardinals who are each 3-11 are both in striking distance to land the first overall pick.
Week 16: Sunday, December 24 at 4:25 PM EST: Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears
With the Bears currently sitting at 5-9 with a low strength of schedule, they are currently in line to have two top-five picks in the 2024 NFL draft. They do finish the season with three straight games against teams under .500 however which starts with this week 16 matchup against the Cardinals.
Week 16: Sunday, December 24 at 8:15 PM EST: New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
The Patriots currently hold the second overall pick sitting at 3-11. With the Cardinals also at 3-11 it could put the Patriots in a tough spot if they win another game and the Cardinals lose out. The difference between the second and third overall picks in this draft class is big with Caleb Williams and Drake Maye currently being seen as the top two quarterbacks in this class by a big margin.
Week 17: Sunday, December 31 at 1:00 PM EST: Carolina Panthers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
This game will have playoff implications as well as after three straight losses by the Jaguars they’re in jeopardy of potentially missing the playoffs. The Jaguars will likely be double-digit favorites in this matchup but if the Panthers pull off an upset it could throw a curveball in the race for the first overall pick.
Week 18: Sunday, January 7 Time TBD: Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers
After back-to-back losses, the Packers are now on the outside looking in of the playoff picture which puts both of these teams in the top 11 of the current draft order making this week 18 matchup potentially important for draft position for both teams.
Week 18: Sunday, January 7 Time TBD: New York Jets @ New England Patriots
At 5-9, the Jets were officially eliminated from playoff contention this week and they currently hold the sixth overall pick. This game projects to have 2024 NFL draft order implications regardless of the outcome as a Patriots win could hurt their position to land Caleb Williams or Drake Maye while a Jets win could move them down significantly with five teams currently at five wins.
Week 18: Sunday, January 7 Time TBD: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
We could see the first overall pick change hands on the final day of the regular season for the second straight year especially with the Panthers having no incentive to lose out as the Bears will receive their first-round pick.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
