Patriots Given Curious Week 1 Power Ranking Spot by Bleacher Report

After a Super Bowl appearance last year, the New England Patriots didn't sit on their hands, hoping that more development would take place.

Instead, the front office addressed the big weakness on the roster, which was a lack of playmakers on offense. New England traded for star wide receiver A.J. Brown, while signing Romeo Doubs to give quarterback Drake Maye more weapons.

This should help the team be more formidable, offering a more well-rounded approach to roster building.

Ahead of Week 1, Bleacher Report released a new set of power rankings, with the New England Patriots being in the top-10. New England came in ranked at number six, behind some curious teams. 

"The question now is if they can back that success up…however, there are potential issues. The offensive line was mauled in Super Bowl LX. The defense heads into the season without its most proven pass-rusher. After facing a historically easy schedule a year ago, the Patriots open this season against four consecutive 2025 playoff teams, including road games at Seattle, Jacksonville and Buffalo. New England could lose as many games in September as it did all of last year," Davenport wrote.

The teams ahead of the Patriots were the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams. One could argue that the Bills, Seahawks, and Rams should be ahead of New England.

But the Broncos and Texans make the placement a little odd, especially since New England beat them both in the playoffs last year. Until Denver or Houston prove themselves to be better than the Patriots in 2026, New England should be seen as the more highly ranked team.

Not only have the Patriots improved the roster, but they have gained some valuable experience last season as well. This could go a long way for a young team, especially for someone like Maybe, who can only learn from the Super Bowl appearance.

But the Patriots are used to being doubted in the AFC, and yet, this is exactly the spot that they want to be in. New England has thrived off doubt recently, and this could see them play with a chip on their shoulder this season.

The Patriots should be stronger on offense this season, with the defense doing its part ot propel the unit. Only time will tell if New England can replicate the success from 2025, but this group has the feel of a Super Bowl contender entering the season.