It wouldn't be a successful Patriots season if there wasn't some sort of controversy or an attempt to take away from what they have accomplished during the year. That's the current issue they're facing as they prepare for their first playoff appearance since 2021, as questions surrounding just how good they really are remain a hot topic.
Besides questioning how they have reached 13 wins this season, labeling their schedule as unserious has become more of a talking point when discussing the possibility of Drake Maye being named this season's MVP, although that has never been considered for previous winners.
And while the strength of schedule suggests the Patriots do have the "easiest schedule" in 25 years, there are some good comebacks fans can have when the argument inevitably arises once the postseason begins.
The most damning of which involves the "Greatest Show on Turf" Rams' team from the 1999 season.
The "Greatest Show on Turf" is a quick reminder to Patriots' doubters about a weak strength of schedule
Because the schedule conversation shows no signs of stopping any time soon, NBC Sports Boston's Michael Hurley pointed out just how hypocritical fans and analysts are on the topic when it comes to the Patriots.
He did that by pointing out that one of the most dominant and glorified teams of the last 30 years, the Rams' Super Bowl-winners of the 1999 season, had an easier strength of schedule than the Patriots do this year, yet they won the Super Bowl, and nobody mentions what got them there.
Caught this interesting nugget after the game last night. History scholars will note that the soft schedule didn’t prevent the ‘99 Rams from winning the Super Bowl. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KZOCkNzPOs
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) December 22, 2025
It further proves that this is a narrative surrounding the Patriots this year, simply because the rest of the league is ticked off that they're competitive again and could be on a Super Bowl path much sooner than they'd hoped.
Not to mention, before the season began, most predicted New England would win only up to eight games, so now that they have won 13, and could ultimately end the season with 14, the conversation has shifted to the "cupcake schedule" they were lucky to have.
This just solidifies the continued hatred of the franchise, as they move the goalposts to keep their anger alive while the Patriots keep winning, giving them more to be upset about.