"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."
"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."
"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 finished 14-3, won the AFC East, and earned the No. 2 seed despite facing the league's easiest strength of schedule. New England's second-ranked offense has been particularly strong over the past few weeks, and Drake Maye's MVP case is as strong as anyone's. The receiving corps includes Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry, and Kayshon Boutte with depth from Pop Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism. Rhamondre Stevenson has emerged as a change-of-pace star while TreVeyon Henderson averages 5.1 YPC. The offensive line improved in pass protection and run blocking late in the season. Defensively, K'Lavon Chaisson, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder, Milton Williams, and Christian Barmore have provided a strong front.
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