4. 2003 Patriots (14-2; Won Super Bowl XXXVIII)
After missing the playoffs in 2002, they were determined to make it back in 2003. There was a bit of drama stirring within the organization before the season even began, however. There was speculation that players actually hated head coach Bill Belichick.
A 31-0 opening loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, those would be the only losses they would suffer the rest of the season. The Patriots finished 14-2 again, including turning the tables on the Bills, defeating them 31-0 in Week 17.
Despite the 14-2 record, Brady had a career low year (when he started all 16 games). He threw for 3,620 yards and 23 touchdowns. The 23 touchdowns stand as a career low today.
Despite Brady’s “poor” performance, the defense stepped up in a big way. They allowed just 14.9 points per game the entire season, the lowest in the NFL.
In another close game, Vinatieri kicked another game-winning kick in the Super Bowl against the Carolina Panthers. It was the second Super Bowl title for New England in three seasons.