Pats Pulpit
The Week 15 power rankings reflect the dominance of New England, riding at No. 1 or 2 across major outlets—but the “prove it” chorus remains loud. Riding a 10-game win streak and sitting at 11-2 coming off the bye week, the Patriots are still a hot story. However, experts are split, praising second-year sensation QB Drake Maye while demanding proof their record will hold up against stiffer competition.
That proof will come this week, when all eyes will be on Sunday’s massive Bills-Patriots AFC East showdown—the Pats’ toughest test yet and a game that could either silence the doubters or expose the hype.
With four games remaining in the regular season it’s put-up or shut-up time for most of the AFC. If the Broncos lose a single game, they could lose the No. 1 seed and the playoff bye. The Patriots need to win out if they want a chance at either. Every team seems to have another team breathing down its neck just to earn a wildcard berth. Adding to the intrigue, are the health of already beat-up rosters and unpredictable winter weather—Sunday’s forecast at Gillette Staduim calls for 32° with possible snow. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Buffalo is favored over the home team by 1.5 points, but I predict the Patriots will beat the Bills. Mike Vrabel will have the team focused and ready to go as practice ramps up full-speed tomorrow. As always,
GO PATS!!
1st – Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): The Patriots enjoyed their bye week to get some rest late in the season before they get ready to build on their dominant breakout season with Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel before their playoff run. They will be ready to try to sweep the Bills at home. [nc]
1st – Ralph Vacchiano (FOX Sports): The Pats preserved their top spot and their 10-game winning streak through their bye week. Now they can clinch their first AFC East title since 2019 with a win at home on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. [nc]
1st – Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk): The AFC East crown is within reach. [nc]
1st – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports): They come off their bye with a big one this week against the Bills. Drake Maye’s MVP candidacy will be on full display. [nc]
2nd – NFL Nation (ESPN): Most shocking statistical ranking: Marcus Jones is second in average yards on punt returns. Jones has 87- and 94-yard punt returns for touchdowns, and his 18.8 average is just behind the Titans’ Chimere Dike (19.9). Jones entered this season, his fourth in the NFL, averaging 13.3 yards per punt return in his career, with one touchdown. “I think he’s an All-Pro player — an all-around athlete who does everything,” wide receiver Stefon Diggs said. “He brings a lot of juice.” — Mike Reiss. [-1]
2nd – Nate Davis (USA Today): They’re holding steady at No. 2 − though they lost their grip on the AFC’s No. 1 seed during their bye week. Drake Maye continues to play...
