NFL executives rank Patriots fourth in AFC entering 2026 season

The New England Patriots enter the 2026 NFL season positioned as the fourth-ranked team in the AFC. A panel of NFL executives assigned the ranking based on the team's current roster composition. The Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans occupy the top three spots in the conference hierarchy. New England faces a challenging schedule this year as the organization seeks to sustain its competitive momentum. The team's roster includes A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Alijah Vera-Tucker, all of whom are expected to contribute to the club's Super Bowl aspirations. The coaching staff is currently developing schemes designed to provide a tactical advantage against the most difficult opponents on the schedule. With Week 1 approaching, the Patriots are preparing to test their standing against the top contenders in the league.

• 11:01 AMYahoo Sports — Patriots crack top five in AFC rankings ahead of 2026 season