The New England Patriots posted a signature win in front of the country on Sunday night when they took down the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills. Was it a fluke victory? Or can Mike Vrabel’s team become a contender during the 2025 NFL season?
Patriots Have Softest Remaining Schedule Of Any NFL Team
There were mild expectations placed on the Patriots for the 2025 campaign. Second year quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes during his rookie season that gave hope to fans in New England, and the team spent big money to bolster the defense during the offseason. But it was thought to be a year of transition, and that it would take some time for the new head coach to fully implement his system.
BIG WIN IN BUFFALO!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bavby8sJrk
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 6, 2025
An opening week loss to the Las Vegas Raiders was certainly a disappointment, but the Patriots have been solid ever since. Wins against Miami and Carolina saw Maye and the offense put up a combined 75 points, and they were a respectable 2-2 heading into Week 5 and their prime time matchup with Buffalo.
They didn’t have the same scoring output against the Bills that they did against the Dolphins and Panthers, but one could argue that Sunday night’s game was New England’s best all around performance. It was the first win for the Patriots in Buffalo since 2021, which was the last time that any AFC East foe won at Highmark Stadium.
The Bills are still atop the AFC East, but the Patriots now find themselves just one game back. Buffalo is still heavily favored to win the division crown, but an argument could be made for New England, given the opponents that remain on their schedule.
Based on opponent’s winning percentage, no team in the NFL has a softer remaining schedule than Vrabel and company.
Patriots have a legit shot of winning 12+ games & competing for the AFC East title
Mike Vrabel turning this franchise around in Year 1 pic.twitter.com/AgyC8aH72c
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) October 6, 2025
The Patriots have 12 games left on their schedule, and only two of them currently have winning records. The winning percentage of the remaining teams is .305, by far the lowest of any other NFL team, with the closest being the Denver Broncos at .411.
Over the next three weeks, New England will take on the Saints, Titans, and Browns, who have a combined record of 3-12. Their toughest remaining opponents are the Falcons (2-2), Buccaneers (4-1) and Bills (4-1).
The oddsmakers have taken notice. After being long shots to even qualify for the postseason in 2025, DraftKings now has the Patriots listed at -200 to be a playoff team. Those are implied odds of 66.6%.
