#New England Patriots

#New England Patriots

Top linebackers like tackling machine, Robert Spillane, who'd averaged more than 150 tackles the previous two seasons, and the emerging linebacker, Christian Elliss, missed tackles all over the yard in the first few games. They looked like they had goose grease on their hands as they missed tackle after tackle, helping to lose to the Raiders and Pittsburgh in two eminently winnable games.

It was just one year ago that the Patriots were heavily pursuing some of the top free agents, hoping to rebuild their team into a powerhouse competitor to regain the AFC East and help rookie quarterback Drake Maye start his NFL career on the right foot. That didn't work too well, though, particularly with their interest in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who demanded a trade from the 49ers.

I got an extremely rare blood infection. On November 20, I was placed in a medically induced coma after I was found unresponsive in my bed. I was asleep for six days. Unfortunately, with my organs failing and the sickness infecting my placenta, our baby passed away in my womb. Hours later, my body went into natural labor and Jahlani watched me deliver our baby unconscious. He said it was like my body just knew what to do.

Chaisson has been a revelation in his inaugural campaign with the Patriots. He's been everything they could've hoped for and more since inking him to a one-year, $3 million "prove it" deal this past March. An 11-2 New England club went on bye atop the AFC standings and with its first division title since 2019 firmly in reach. Chaisson has unexpectedly been at the center of it all.

Over the last few years, the Patriots have lost every member of the dynasty team either by cutting them outright or letting them leave in free agency, becoming the official sign that the best days are in the rearview mirror. That has led fans to hope some of them will eventually return after spending time with other teams, including a beloved cornerback who remains unsigned this season.

Believe it or not, Week 14 of the NFL season is already upon us, and the playoff picture has started to take shape. The NFC is by far the most competitive conference. In the NFC North and NFC West, three teams each conference are tied or nearly tied at the top of the division, making the playoff race an exciting one to watch.