4. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are legitimate contenders. While the defense is still inconsistent, Drake Maye is playing like a top-five quarterback with a revamped offensive line, a healthy Stefon Diggs, and old friend Josh McDaniels running the offense. The team is currently 4-2 and just a half game behind the Buffalo Bills despite having one of the league’s weakest backfields.
Antonio Gibson is done for the season, Rhamondre Stevenson cannot stop fumbling the ball, and rookie TreVeyon Henderson isn’t comfortable with the playbook, isn’t breaking tackles, and struggles to follow his blocks. Running back isn’t the most important position in the game by any stretch of the imagination, but New England must find a better option. The Jets might not be willing to trade Breece Hall to a division rival, but the Patriots would be a perfect fit.
