Kicking off
The Patriots have a legitimate shot at being the AFC's top seed come January.
Their turnaround, from being cellar dwellers with woeful 4-13 records the past two seasons, has been mind-blowing.
While there was an expected jump with Mike Vrabel taking over as head coach, and Drake Maye being in Year 2, nothing like this was forecast.
Not even close.
Thursday night's 27-14 win over the New York Jets made it eight straight wins for the team (9-2), who have a mini-bye this weekend.
If the Patriots play their cards right, they will be the top AFC team, earning a first-round bye. They have what many consider the easiest schedule down the stretch of any of the top teams.
If they beat the teams they're supposed to beat, that should be enough to claim the top spot.
The Indianapolis Colts (8-2), who have a bye week Sunday, and the Denver Broncos (8-2), who are facing the Kansas City Chiefs, have much tougher schedules.
The LA Chargers (7-3) Buffalo Bills (6-3) and Chiefs (5-4) might also work their way into the mix up top, but they have a lot more work to do and need Mike Vrabel's team to falter.
With the Patriots taking down the Jets, they have six games remaining. Of those six, only Buffalo has a winning record. With Lamar Jackson back, Baltimore, currently 4-5, is a legitimate opponent for them Week 16.
They also won't have to face Joe Burrow when they travel to Cincinnati for their Week 12 game.
The way the team is playing, the way Drake Maye is playing, along with their overall vibe, it's hard to believe they won't be resting the first week, and hosting a game at home the following week.
It would be an upset if that didn't happen.
Here's some clips from the week:
