NFL power rankings: Patriots, Packers among Super Bowl favorites
New England Patriots 0-0
Last week: L, 40-38 vs. NYG
Last rank: 1st
The New England Patriots have won five Super Bowls in the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era. They have reached the AFC Championship Game in each of the past six seasons, and there is no sign of them slowing down anytime soon.
While the loss of Julian Edelman certainly stings, the Patriots continue to lord over the AFC with an iron fist. Rob Gronkowski is back from his injury and looks to be a major factor once more, as the 28-year-old becomes more important than ever with the loss of Edelman. Brandin Cooks was acquired from the New Orleans Saints for a first-round pick, continuing the trend of New England stealing assets for picks.
Defensively, this team may struggle in the front seven after the torn ACL to Derek Rivers and retirement of Rob Ninkovich. Look for Dont’a Hightower to turn into more of an edge riusher at times, while the secondary is depended upon to make plays. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore give New England one of the best combinations in the league, along with Devin McCourty roaming the deep portion of the field at free safety.
The Patriots aren’t invincible, but they are the clear favorites to get back to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years.