Not everyone at ESPN is dismissing the New England Patriots’ postseason prospects.

Cam Newton has caused a ruckus by twice calling the Patriots “fool’s gold” amid a 9-2 start. Kirk Herbstreit mentioned that phrase when anticipating a first-round bye for New England during Thursday’s “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“There’s a real shot this team is looking at 13 or 14 wins,” Herbstreit said. “Whether it’s fool’s gold or not, they’re probably gonna be the one seed. … I think New England is gonna get homefield throughout the AFC playoffs, and we know how important that is.”

The schedule plays a part. The “Thursday Night Football” color commentator and “College GameDay” panelist looked ahead to four highly winnable games when projecting his final victory tally.

Herbstreit is also excited to see

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