The New England Patriots have their fair share of doubters. Their strength of schedule, the easiest in the league, has led to questions about their readiness for the playoffs, but in a recent article, Bleacher Report's staff argues that New England's inexperience shouldn't be an issue.
The Patriots can't control their schedule, but they can control how they perform against their schedule. A 14-3 record, 5-1 division record, AFC East title, and No. 2 seed is exactly what should be expected of a good team playing a bad schedule.
Drake Maye's MVP case is as strong as anyone's, and New England's second-ranked offense has been at its best over the past few weeks.
The Patriots are getting hot when it matters, and B/R's staff clearly believes in them, as they've ranked them the best AFC team and the second-best team in the playoffs, behind only the 14-3 Seahawks.
Bleacher Report believes the Patriots are the second-best team in the league
The Patriots, top to bottom, might be the most complete team in the AFC. Drake Maye is a star without a doubt. The receiving corps is strong: Stefon Diggs and Hunter Henry offer consistency, Kayshon Boutte a deep threat, and depth is provided via Pop Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism.
One of the team's questions was about the running game. Recently, Rhamondre Stevenson has broken out as a star in his new role as a change-of-pace back. TreVeyon Henderson's 5.1 YPC is 4th in the league (min. 100 snaps), and the offensive line's improvement in the second half of the season in both pass protection and the run game has been noticeable.
Defensively, K'Lavon Chaisson's breakout has added an additional edge threat to the defense alongside Harold Landry. Anfernee Jennings has stepped up in a major way while Landry has been out, and UDFA Elijah Ponder quietly notched four sacks this season.
The defensive interior has been incredible, with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore leading the way.
The #Patriots have 4 DTs in the top-27 of the position in pass rush win rate (min. 20% snaps):
— Graham Wilker (@GrahamWilker1) January 7, 2026
2. Cory Durden (18.1%)
12. Christian Barmore (13.4%)
25. Milton Williams (12.1%)
27. Khyiris Tonga (12%)
OG Mekhi Becton is 3rd in pressures allowed & the Chargers are 31st in sacks.
At the second level, Robert Spillane is set to return for the wildcard round, and Christian Elliss has had a nice second half of the year. Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai have also been contributors.
The pass defense ranks 9th in the league, headlined by Pro Bowler Christian Gonzalez. The Carlton Davis experience has admittedly been a roller coaster, but Marcus Jones has offered security in the slot. Safeties Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson have been a very solid duo on the back end.
The Patriots have put together one of the best young rosters in football, with 15 rookies and a pair of stars in Maye and Gonzalez, who are both just 23. New England not only has an exciting future, but also a present that can't be described as anything but must-see TV.