The New England Patriots are gaining widespread recognition as reputable contenders within the NFL this season. A lot of that perception stems from head coach Mike Vrabel’s strategic strategy and quarterback Drake Maye’s accelerated growth in his second 12 months.
New England seems to be a whole crew below Vrabel’s management, with an emphasis on situational soccer, clock administration, and tactical execution that has yielded constant outcomes.
FS1 analyst Nick Wright lately shared his evaluation of the AFC hierarchy throughout a section of First Issues First. He didn’t hesitate to position the Patriots instantly behind the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in his present rankings.
“(The Patriots) are going to be the one seed within the AFC. I consider, however that’s conjecture, clearly. What I do know is, for me, I’ll choose them to win any AFC playoff recreation they play, apart from, in opposition to the Chiefs. I believe they’re legitimately, proper now, the second-best crew within the AFC,” Wright mentioned.
.@getnickwright thinks the Patriots are the 2nd-best crew within the AFC
“I’ll choose them to win any AFC playoff recreation they play, apart from in opposition to the Chiefs.” pic.twitter.com/e3PDDkDOFX
— First Issues First (@FTFonFS1) November 14, 2025
New England has proven the flexibility to win video games in a number of methods all through the season. Maye has posted statistical performances that examine favorably to a number of elite quarterbacks, together with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson.
Vrabel has established a tradition constructed on day by day accountability, disciplined preparation, and constant execution throughout all three phases. These requirements mirror the organizational id that outlined New England’s earlier period of success.
The Patriots grew to become the primary crew to succeed in 9 wins this season after defeating the New York Jets on Thursday evening. That victory positioned them forward of the idle Indianapolis Colts within the race for the AFC’s high seed.
New England has not received the division since 2019 and has not secured the convention’s No. 1 playoff place since 2017. Sustaining their present standing can even rely on outcomes from different contenders over the approaching weeks.
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