Where Do Patriots Fall On Latest NFL Power Rankings After Win Vs. Browns?

The New England Patriots picked up their fifth-straight win in Week 8 with a 32-13 beatdown of the Cleveland Browns. The Pats now have a 6-2 record heading into Week 9, and it’s becoming more and more clear with each win that their hot start isn’t a fluke.

There’s no doubt that New England is benefiting from an outrageously favorable schedule, but going out and winning games you are supposed to win is the mark of a playoff-caliber team. Let’s also not forget that this team took down the Buffalo Bills in front of their home crowd just a couple of weeks ago, too.

With several other teams running hot and cold so far this season, the Patriots’ consistency has been hard to ignore. After cracking the top five in Fox Sports’ Week 8 power rankings last week, they have held onto the same No. 5 spot heading into Week 9.

“Mike Vrabel has quickly whipped a collection of junkyard dogs into shape as dark-horse contenders,” Bucky Brooks wrote. “Led by Drake Maye’s emergence as an MVP front-runner, the Patriots can rely on a highly efficient offense to control the tempo and game flow.”

“With the veteran-laden defense possessing enough experience and expertise to close games out in the fourth quarter, the Patriots are back in business as playoff contenders.”

Only two teams have better records than the Pats right now, which goes to show just how solid they have been. Their detractors will say their success is largely due to their schedule, but that ignores just how well this team is playing against their inferior competition.

The Patriots will attempt to continue their winning ways in Week 9 when they take on a confusing Atlanta Falcons team. While the Falcons have curiously struggled against bad teams, they have typically given playoff contenders a run for their money. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.