The New England Patriots delivered what might be their biggest statement of the 2025 season in Week 16, knocking off the Baltimore Ravens in a game that had major playoff implications. With the victory, New England not only secured a postseason berth but also kept the Buffalo Bills at bay in the AFC East race-a division that’s been tighter than expected down the stretch.
This wasn’t just a win-it was a gut-check moment. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed poise beyond his years, engineering an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback that reminded everyone why the Patriots were willing to roll the dice on him in the first round. In a season full of ups and downs, this was the kind of performance that builds belief in a locker room-and sends a message to the rest of the league.
But not everyone’s buying in just yet.
Despite the comeback win and a 12-3 record that has them tied with Denver and Seattle for the best mark in the league, the Patriots slid down in Tom Brady’s Week 16 power rankings-from No. 6 to No. 8. That’s right: a team that just clinched a playoff spot and pulled off a dramatic win dropped two spots in the eyes of their former franchise icon.
Now, let’s be fair-Brady’s rankings weren’t made in a vacuum. The Ravens were without Lamar Jackson in the second half, and several other top teams notched impressive wins of their own. But even with that context, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow at New England slipping in the pecking order after such a crucial victory.
From a pure football standpoint, the Patriots are doing what elite teams do: finding ways to win, even when the script doesn’t go their way. Maye’s development has accelerated in recent weeks, and the defense continues to be one of the most disciplined and opportunistic units in the league. This isn’t just a team riding an easy schedule-they’ve earned their place in the postseason conversation.
And while Brady’s rankings may not sit well with fans in Foxborough, there’s a silver lining here. If anything, this perceived slight could serve as bulletin-board material heading into the final stretch. The Patriots still have work to do to lock up the division, and Week 17’s matchup with the New York Jets offers a prime opportunity to take another step toward that goal.
Bottom line: New England is in control of its own destiny. And if their rookie quarterback keeps playing with this level of confidence, and the defense continues to deliver in clutch moments, this team has every reason to believe it can make a deep run in January-regardless of where anyone ranks them.