The New England Patriots completely renovated their defense this past offseason. Milton Williams was the marquee signing down the middle, Robert Spillane signed for his hard-hitting ability, and Carlton Davis inked to play opposite Christian Gonzalez. Harold Landry and K'Lavon Chaisson were brought in to be an edge duo, and lesser-known additions like Khyiris Tonga and Cory Durden have beefed up the defensive line. The draft featured Craig Woodson, who's started all year at safety.
The New England Patriots made some notable moves at wide receiver this past season that have transformed their team. Stefon Diggs was added on a three-year deal and has been an incredible addition, Mack Hollins has been excellent as a deep threat, and rookie Kyle Williams has made his impact felt with two touchdowns on only five catches this year.
They had bolstered their young group with a pair of veteran free agent signings with Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, but fans might remember things being a tad awkward at the start. There was plenty of early-summer drama surrounding Diggs and the health of his surgically repaired knee, the language surrounding the guaranteed money in his contract, and his off-field decision making after a viral boat video did laps on social media over Memorial Day Weekend.
I got an extremely rare blood infection. On November 20, I was placed in a medically induced coma after I was found unresponsive in my bed. I was asleep for six days. Unfortunately, with my organs failing and the sickness infecting my placenta, our baby passed away in my womb. Hours later, my body went into natural labor and Jahlani watched me deliver our baby unconscious. He said it was like my body just knew what to do.
The New England Patriots completed a quick turnaround under Mike Vrabel, and they are arguably the best team in the NFL right now. Sitting on an 11-2 record after 14 weeks, the Patriots are headed to the playoffs, and hopefully to the Super Bowl. If that happens, New England will be drafting at the end of the first round - a tradeoff fans will sign up for in a heartbeat.
Chaisson has been a revelation in his inaugural campaign with the Patriots. He's been everything they could've hoped for and more since inking him to a one-year, $3 million "prove it" deal this past March. An 11-2 New England club went on bye atop the AFC standings and with its first division title since 2019 firmly in reach. Chaisson has unexpectedly been at the center of it all.
Over the last few years, the Patriots have lost every member of the dynasty team either by cutting them outright or letting them leave in free agency, becoming the official sign that the best days are in the rearview mirror. That has led fans to hope some of them will eventually return after spending time with other teams, including a beloved cornerback who remains unsigned this season.
Being an Atlanta Falcons fan is a curse. This Thanksgiving weekend may have been one of the best weekends of football from the entire league, from massive upsets to incredible performances throughout the weekend, the NFL showed why it is the preeminent sports league in the country. But if you're a Falcons fan, there's always that tinge of disappointment surrounding the weekend because this lowly franchise can't figure out how to finish a very winnable game against the Jets.
"I think in an AFC this year where it's wide open, the Patriots are just as good as anybody. They have, right now, the best chance [to win the AFC] because being [at Gillette Stadium on Monday night], that atmosphere is different. Different than even when I was there,"
That aspect of Henry's offense was seldom more clearly manifested than in the 26-20 away win against the Cincinnati Bengals. In that tilt, Henry provided seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. It was his first 100-yard receiving game this season, and it couldn't have come at a better time for his team. Hunter Henry is consistently good for Drake Maye and the Patriots
The New England Patriots were expected to blow the doors off the hapless New York Giants in their Monday Night Football matchup, and they met those expectations by putting up 30 first-half points in a 33-15 beatdown that was worse than the scoreline would indicate. Head coach Mike Vrabel was brought in as part of an attempt to bring the team back to its winning ways, even bringing Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator.
Predictions before the 2025 season began had the New England Patriots barely improving on their previous season's record, with most analysts and fans expecting they would win only a few more games and miss the playoffs. Heading into Week 13, they're hoping to win their 11th game of the season, retain their positioning at the top of the AFC East and the conference, and extend their win streak before their bye.