The New England Patriots have emerged as professional AFC contenders beneath first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. The group sits at 9-2, tied atop the convention with the Denver Broncos and positioning itself for postseason soccer for the primary time since 2021.
Vrabel’s defensive philosophy and his administration of quarterback Drake Maye’s development have drawn widespread reward all through the league. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit not too long ago weighed in on the Patriots’ trajectory throughout a phase on The Pat McAfee Present. His evaluation steered New England may maintain its present stage of excellence by way of the rest of the common season.
“There’s an actual shot that the New England Patriots are 13 or 14 wins. They’re in all probability gonna be the 1 seed within the AFC,” Herbstreit stated.
“There’s an actual shot that the New England Patriots are 13 or 14 wins..
They’re in all probability gonna be the 1 seed within the AFC”@KirkHerbstreit #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/uJlwMttV4D
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 20, 2025
The Patriots maintain a number of benefits as they navigate the ultimate stretch of the season. Vrabel has trusted offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to function the offense with out interference, permitting for cohesive scheme execution.
New England at present leads the AFC East, a division it has not gained since 2018. Coming into Week 12, the Patriots face a good remaining schedule.
The Colts have been on bye in Week 11, whereas Denver’s bye arrives in Week 12, giving New England a scheduling edge. Solely two of the Patriots’ remaining opponents at present possess profitable data, presenting clear alternatives to construct on their sturdy begin.
Indianapolis faces a significantly harder path ahead. The Colts should navigate matchups towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, limiting their margin for error down the stretch.
The Patriots’ final championship got here following the 2018 season. That seven-year hole makes this second significantly important for a franchise looking for to return to championship competition beneath new management.
The publish Kirk Herbstreit Offers Encouraging Win Projection For Patriots appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
