Speaking of the Patriots, they’re one of three 8-2 teams in the NFL, all AFC teams, but are they the best?
You can really find spots in New England, Denver and Indianapolis to feast on the lesser teams, with only five of their 24 combined wins coming against teams with a winning record, and one of them was the Colts’ victory over the Broncos.
Denver beat the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are kings of the fourth quarter, while Indy can ride Jonathan Taylor, but for the Patriots to add Sunday’s win in Tampa Bay to their prime-time success in Buffalo seems like a statement.
Their two losses came in new head coach Mike Vrabel’s first three games, with seven straight wins, as has Denver, since, but beating Baker Mayfield after the Bucs had a break to prepare was huge.
Drake Maye’s MVP claims won’t go away, and he certainly deserves a point for bravery after taking some wild hits in Tampa Bay, but he held on to lead his team to victory.
The defense is solid and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded Sunday for 147 yards and two thrilling touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards, becoming just the fifth ball carrier to top 22 mph this season on his first score.
While you can argue who is technically “the best,” the Pats should be the favorites to finish with the best record thanks to their schedule, which includes just one game against a winning team, albeit a huge one against Buffalo.
Visiting Baltimore is also tough, but Denver has it even tougher in the AFC West with the Chiefs playing twice, the Chargers (who could also compete for the top spot but face the same problem) and also the Packers on the schedule.
The Colts also face the Chiefs, and have to face the Seahawks, the 49ers and two games with the 5-4 Jaguars. There’s a long way to go, but the door is open for a surprising first-place finish in the AFC.
