For the first time since Tom Brady took his perfectly manicured hair and tight spirals to Tampa Bay, the New England Patriots are relevant.

After going 4-13 in each of the last two seasons, they are 8-2 this year. They share the best record in the NFL with the Broncos and Colts and own a 1½-game lead in the AFC East over the Bills , who have won the division five years in a row. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate, joining the Rams ' Matthew Stafford atop the odds board of top sportsbooks .

And so, New England is playing meaningful games deep into November. That includes the Thursday Night Football game at Gillette Stadium against the New York Jets in Week 11.

Bet Jets vs. Patriots at DraftKings Sportsbook , where new use

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