The New England Patriots have teased potential during an up-and-down start to the 2025 season.

New England is 2-2 entering a Week 5 litmus test against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots maintained some buzz as a playoff candidate following an emphatic win over the Carolina Panthers.

John Breech of CBS Sports named the Patriots alongside the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears as “surprise” teams who can make the postseason as betting underdogs. The Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers are currently favored to earn spots in the AFC.

“Before the season, I had the Patriots as a dark-horse team to make the playoffs,” Breech wrote. “And I feel even better about my pick after watching them play four

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