The New England Patriots have three games left that, in total, will determine their playoff fate, at one time or another over the next three weeks.

The problem is, do they have the better quarterback in any of them?

Really doesn’t look that way.

They start out this Saturday hosting Cincinati. Joe Burrow is clearly the better guy in this Christmas Eve special, just ask Santa.

Flip to New Year’s Day vs. the Miami Dolphins, also at Gillette. Tua Tagovailoa might not have gotten the nod over Mac Jones after last season, but he’s improved greatly with, well, better coaching – my what a concept – and despite Miaimi’s recent skid has still played better than 13 for 31, crybaby Jones.

And, in the last game of the regular season, which may or may not mean anything at Buffalo – for either team – well, you already know the Josh Allen answer to that one.

“Just getting that consistency,” Jones said this week. “Obviously, with myself, too. Just making sure all of P’s and Q’s. Then it takes evrybody else as well to hop on the train.”

Well, that train has looked like a wreck lately, hasn’t it?

Obviously, Jones won’t go there.

“You want to embrace every challenge, right?” he said. “We’re all competitors here. The biggest thing is just be where your feet are and focus on the present.”

The present for these picks had better improve upon the past, after a second straight sub-.500 week.

Here’s your holiday version:

BENGALS 24, PATRIOTS 17

Can’t see the Patriots not making this close in the chill we’re expecting. A couple of months ago, Burrow & Co. were struggling with a slow start, but look at them now. They may even claim the top seed in the AFC before it’s all done. But this is a game they need to win to really establish themselves, a tough one on the road, and they should do that.

CHARGERS 30,COLTS 17

Nick Foles to the rescue on Monday Night? Perhaps. But after seeing another train wreck, his Colts teammates blowing that lead to the Vikings last season, it’s hard to pick Indy in anything. Chargers need a win to keep ahold of their place in the playoff chase.

RAIDERS 27, STEELERS 13

Not too many good all-AFC game to pick from, but we think Vegas, the fortunate recipients of the Patriots stupidity a week ago, will win this one because they have more talent. Just don’t have big lead at hafltime, Josh McDaniels, OK?

COWBOYS 21, EAGLES 13

Doesn’t look like Eagles QB and MVP favorite Jalen Hurts is going to play in this one, which is too bad. That should give Dallas the edge.

BUCANEERS 24, CARDINALS 10

If Tom Brady can’t outplay Colt McCoy on Christmas night, then there’s really something wrong and there should be coal in his stocking – and same for the rest of this team.

DOLPHINS 30, PACKERS 21

Home team Miami and Tagovailoa need a below .500 team to get them back on track, and as incredible as it is, they have one with the Packers. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel can change his T-shirt to the one that reads “It’s not hot enough.” Merry Christmas, Miami.

CHIEFS 27, SEAHAWKS 24

This could be a close one, because Seattle really needs the win for its fading playoff chances. The Seahawks recent slide is also not really the fault of Geno Smith, who has continued to play well. But again, who has the better QB? Mahomes it is.

LAST WEEK: 3-4

SEASON: 58-47

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).