Although the Patriots' 2025 schedule is considered one of the easiest in the NFL, it's still impressive to see what the rebuilding team has accomplished through the first seven weeks, not only with a second-year quarterback under center, but also a new head coach and a dramatically different roster from just one year ago.
It has all led to their current four-game win streak, with three road games in a row, and has put them squarely into the playoff picture heading into Week 8. They are considered favorites against the Browns this week, and they're expected to add their second home win of the season to their tally.
However, not everyone has that optimism about the Patriots' remaining schedule, even if they did beat the reigning AFC East champions on primetime television in Buffalo just a few weeks ago.
Maybe it's just a cautious take from another NFL analyst, or it could be another non-believer in twhat the Patriots are accomplishing right now. But it does seem like some doubt is starting to creep in regarding the team's chances of sustaining their current success, which isn't great for Patriots fans to hear right now.
The Patriots still haven't convinced everyone that they're the real deal this season
That's the latest take from Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon, who isn't so sure about New England continuing their current win streak beyond the four games they have currently stacked.
In fact, Gagnon suggests the Patriots will stall against the Browns this week, and/or the Falcons in Week 9, adding potentially two more losses to their season.
"The Patriots have also feasted on a weak schedule. They're a younger team with more holes to be exploited as the season wears on. They're good enough to earn a wild-card spot, but I don't think they can sustain this.
I'm expecting a hiccup against Cleveland and/or Atlanta the next two weeks."
While it's completely fair to be skeptical about the Patriots maintaining their level of success after a bumpy start, it seems a little outlandish to suggest they could lose to a struggling Browns team or a worse-off Falcons team after how Maye and Co. have played over the last several weeks.
There's always a chance they could flounder against any team, as that is the NFL, after all. But "expecting" a hiccup seems to be more about not believing in their current success rather than giving credibility to either opponent.
Anything is possible, of course, and the Patriots could be shockingly taken down by one of their upcoming opponents, especially since they haven't fared well at home in recent years. It would be devastating to see after the run they've been on and because of that, it's hard to suggest they'll do anything but win.
However, some would rather be safe than buy into what the Patriots are currently doing while others are continuing to ride the wave of their completely sustainable success.