Tom Brady Felt ‘Sick’ Placing Longtime Patriots Rival Atop Power Rankings

Tom Brady begrudgingly gave major props to a former nemesis when appraising the NFL’s top teams.

For the second straight week, Brady placed the New England Patriots at No. 8 in his power rankings. However, the iconic quarterback bumped the Detroit Lions from the top spot in favor of an old enemy.

Brady, who spent most of his Patriots career fighting Peyton Manning for control of the AFC, gave the Indianapolis Colts his No. 1 billing entering Week 9.

“I’m not gonna lie: didn’t want to do it,” Brady said. “But I can’t ignore 7-1. The Colts have arrived, and they’re finally the No. 1 team in my power rankings.”

The Colts lead the league in yards and points behind a resurgent season from New York Giants castaway Daniel Jones. Tyler Warren leads all tight ends in receiving yards, and Jonathan Taylor is making a serious MVP push with 1,056 yards and 14 touchdowns through eight dominant games.

“I know people have their doubts, but this offense hasn’t taken a single quarter off all season long,” Brady declared. “Their only loss came against another top-five team, on the road in L.A. (Rams). They deserve to be on top of the pile.”

Indianapolis has upcoming road games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, but Brady isn’t concerned about the AFC South squad’s remaining slate. The Colts and Patriots could rekindle an old rivalry with their first playoff meeting since Brady led New England to a dominant 2014 AFC Championship Game victory.

“With a favorable schedule in the second half of the season, could the AFC run through Indy this year?” Brady asked. “I feel sick just saying that.”