Problem is the new congress doesn't start until January and nominees fall under the new non-filibuster rule. If the Democrats lose the Senate, Reid will be very unhappy and will move as many nominees through as possible.
The thing is that McConnell, assuming he decides to install his backbone, could tie the Senate into knots on the measures where the 60 vote filibuster still applies. Basically run down the clock as the new year and new Congress approaches, forcing Reid and the Dems to choose between passing legislation, or confirming nominees.