New England Breaks Into Top Three with Convincing Win in Tampa
After a hard-fought victory over a tough Buccaneers team in Tampa Bay on Sunday, the New England Patriots are starting to silence doubts surrounding their impressive 8-2 record. Many questioned whether their success was due to a softer schedule, but the Patriots are proving themselves as legitimate contenders in a wide-open AFC field.
Tom Brady, Patriots legend and current Fox broadcaster, included New England at No. 3 in his latest weekly power rankings, making them the highest-ranked team in the AFC. Only the Philadelphia Eagles (No. 1) and Los Angeles Rams (No. 2) stand ahead of the Patriots.
“New England breaks into the top three with a convincing win in Tampa. What more is there to say? The knock on this team had been their schedule, but they went into a hostile environment and beat a great team that was playing well heading into the game,” Brady said of his former team.
He also gave a shoutout to standout receiver Stefon Diggs, noting the impact he has had on the team’s recent success: “Shoutout to Stefon Diggs, who’s given this locker room a whole new attitude throughout this seven-game winning streak.”
With Sunday’s win, the Patriots have now won seven consecutive games. They currently sit atop the AFC East with a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills, who fell to Miami on Sunday.
Key Contributors Strengthen the Roster
While the emergence of quarterback Drake Maye as a potential MVP candidate and head coach Mike Vrabel’s leadership in his first year at the helm have been pivotal, several veteran additions have also bolstered the roster. New offseason signings like Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams, Morgan Moses, Robert Spillane, and others have added depth and valuable experience to a team still in the process of retooling.
Looking Ahead: Challenges Remain
The Patriots still face several daunting challenges this season, including a crucial Week 14 rematch with the Bills in Foxborough and a tough road game against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on December 21.
Brady believes that any of the teams in his top 10 power rankings are capable of making deep playoff runs. “We might not have the one or two runaway favorites in the NFL this year, but this top 10 is loaded with teams that can win games in January. We’re in for some incredible football as the temperatures start to drop around the league—they already have, actually,” Brady said.
Tom Brady’s Full Top 10 Power Rankings
1. Eagles (7-2)
2. Rams (7-2)
3. Patriots (8-2)
4. Seahawks (7-2)
5. Broncos (8-2)
6. Buccaneers (6-3)
7. Chargers (7-3)
8. Chiefs (5-4)
9. Lions (6-3)
10. Colts (8-2)
The Patriots’ strong run continues to build momentum as the season progresses. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their position among the NFL’s elite.
https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2025/11/12/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-nfl-power-rankings-football/
