For the first time since 2019, the franchise has reclaimed the AFC East title, capping off an impressive campaign under Mike Vrabel in his first year as head coach and Drake Maye in his second season as the team’s quarterback. With one week left in the regular season, Maye has emerged as one of the leading MVP candidates.
There is no doubt this season has been a surprising turnaround for the Patriots, especially after finishing 4-13 in each of the previous two years amid widespread uncertainty. The outlook has completely changed: not only are they division champions, but they also ended the reign of the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen, who had won the division five straight years.
In his second season, Drake Maye delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing 4,000 passing yards and establishing himself as the team’s offensive leader. The offense showed greater balance thanks to key contributions from tight end Hunter Henry and veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Tom Brady leaves the Patriots out of his Top 3
With one week remaining in the regular season, the race in both conferences is extremely tight. The level of play across the NFL has been impressive, and the 2025 season has introduced new contenders, such as the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, who currently sit atop the NFC and AFC, respectively.
When Tom Brady speaks, people listen. Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, the former quarterback has excelled in his new role as a FOX analyst. Still, he sparked controversy after Week 17 by leaving the Patriots out of his Top 3 power rankings, despite their strong season.
Brady’s power rankings are led by the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, both just one win away from finishing as the top seeds in their respective conferences. Seattle faces a tougher challenge, needing a win against the San Francisco 49ers, who could overtake them with a victory.
Denver, meanwhile, has a clearer path. A win over the Los Angeles Chargers would secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC. With the Chargers expected to rest their starters, including Justin Herbert, Denver’s fate rests in the hands of Bo Nix and company.
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