The New England Patriots own the NFL's best record at 11-2 this season, but they have faced some criticism for having one of the easiest schedules in all of football.

Just three of the Patriots' wins have come against teams with winning records, and they also have stacked up victories against some of the league's worst ballclubs.

But 11-2 is 11-2 no matter how you slice it, and former NFL defensive end and current ESPN analyst Marcus Spears feels New England is a Super Bowl-caliber squad.

"The team that you see consistency from is in the AFC and they play at Gillette Stadium," Spears said on First Take. "... Now if you want to tell me about the schedule, don't have a problem with that."

Spears added that he also understands the argument of the Pats being a young and inexperienced team with a second-year quarterback, but he believes they can win it all.

"Mike Vrabel and this staff, with what I saw Monday night, has a team that can absolutely win the Super Bowl," Spears said.

The Patriots are third in the NFL in point differential and have also gone 6-0 on the road, so their lack of experience has not affected them in that department.

Plus, New England could ultimately end up snaring a first-round bye in the playoffs, which will make things considerably easier for the team.

Of course, the Pats have legitimate question marks. Their offensive line is dicey, especially with left tackle Will Campbell now on injured reserve (although he is expected back by the postseason). Their pass rush is also an issue. But there really is no dominant team in the NFL this season.

It helps the Patriots that the AFC as a whole is very watered down. The Kansas City Chiefs might not even make the playoffs, and the Baltimore Ravens are fighting for their lives in the AFC North. It's not like the Buffalo Bills look that great, either.

New England went just 4-13 last season, but had a very busy offseason, filling some very prominent holes on both sides of the ball and bringing in Vrabel as its new head coach.

At this point, it's clear that the Pats are for real, but are they ready to win a Super Bowl just yet? It remains to be seen.

The Patriots have a bye this week and will then look to complete the season sweep of the Bills the following weekend.