With 11 weeks of the NFL season in the books, the New England Patriots sit atop the AFC East with a 7-3 overall record. They are close behind the Steelers, 7-2-1, and the Chiefs, 9-2, in the race for home-field advantage.
This week, they travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the abysmal New York Jets, who sit at 3-7. The Patriots clearly know how to handle divisional rivalries, and there should be no exception this Sunday. As for the rest of the season goes, New England fans shouldn’t have to worry too much.
The Patriots final six games include four divisional games—two against the Jets and one more against both the Bills and Dolphins. The Bills and Jets sit at the bottom of the league, while the Dolphins are struggling to stay above a .500 winning percentage.
However, the Pats will take on the Vikings on Dec. 2 and the Steelers on Dec. 16, in games that can easily affect their status in the upcoming playoff picture. The Vikings have had an up and down season with Kirk Cousins at the helm, but they are still a solid team that can hang around with anyone if Cousins has time to throw the ball. The Steelers are a team that the Patriots are familiar with and they’ve been able to handle Pittsburg in recent years. However, the Steelers’ defense is getting stronger, and the offense continues to succeed without Le’veon Bell.
Overall, the Patriots may have an easier schedule than most in these last 6 games—but it is not going to be a walk in the park. With a healthy offense and an improved secondary, the Patriots have a great opportunity to win these next six games and possibly secure home-field advantage—that will be crucial against teams such as Kansas City and Pittsburgh.
It isn’t going to be easy, but expect Belichick to get his team rolling at just the right time.
