Patriots ranked outside of top 10 teams by NFL.com ahead of season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 2:40 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
The New England Patriots are ranked No. 12 by an NFL.com writer as they prepare for the upcoming season. Despite being the reigning AFC champions, the team faces skepticism due to a difficult schedule and the loss of several key players. The Patriots were criticized for their performance in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks, leading to questions about their success being a fluke. Despite these challenges, the young roster, including second-year quarterback Drake Maye and new additions like A.J. Brown, is seen as having potential for improvement.
- •NFL.com ranks Patriots No. 12, outside of top 10 teams.
- •Critics question outcomes of last season due to a soft schedule.
- •Patriots lost key players following their Super Bowl appearance.
- •Drake Maye continues to develop as a second-year quarterback.
- •Team aims to prove ranking wrong with improved performance.
- 2:40 AMYahoo Sports — Patriots Not Even Considered Top-10 Team in League by NFL.com
"The Patriots' schedule is tough, but they should be a top-10 squad.
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