A New Hope? Patriots ‘Worst to First’ Ranking Revealed

After setting the gold standard for winning in the National Football League for the better part of two decades, the New England Patriots have finished dead last in the AFC East for the last two seasons.

Well, one NFL writer believes the Patriots have a fighting chance of going from worst to first in the division in 2025.

Patriots Amongst Top Options to Go From Worst to First in 2025

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today ranked all last place finishers across the eight different divisions in the NFL in his ‘worst to first’ article on Monday, which had the New England Patriots ranking fourth amongst these squads for most likely to win their division in 2025.

Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote, “Mike Vrabel is a fitting choice to take on that task, and the former Titans coach no doubt will be looking to restore a culture of accountability after things reached a breaking point at the end of Jerod Mayo’s lone season. The drumbeat regarding the upward trajectory of Drake Maye’s development has only amplified throughout the offseason, and the installation of Josh McDaniels’ more streamlined offense and the addition of several formidable weapons (receivers Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams as well as running back TreVeyon Henderson) should only accelerate the quarterback’s ascent.”

The offense certainly got a facelift this offseason with all of these additions around Drake Maye, but the additions veterans like Milton Williams, Harold Landry, and Carlton Davis for a defensive minded head coach could help this defense return to elite status in short order.

Middlehurst-Schwartz detailed, “But the personnel overhauls might provide the most immediate returns on defense, where defensive end Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis III and linebacker Robert Spillane can be difference-makers for a unit desperate to add more.”

Could the New England Patriots Challenge the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East in 2025?

The Buffalo Bills have been the dominant force in the division since the departure of Tom Brady, the decision to fire Bill Belichick’s heir apparent, Jerod Mayo, after just one season sends a clear message that New England isn’t content labeling 2025 a rebuild year.

Middlehurst-Schwartz added, “With patience running thin in Foxborough at the beginning of the post-Bill Belichick era just as it did at end of the legendary coach’s run, Robert Kraft again took drastic action to reshape the organization from top to bottom. And in flocking to free agency to patch holes throughout the roster, the Patriots made it clear they expect to return to at least the precipice of postseason competition in short order.”

Josh Allen is fresh off of his first MVP, which rightfully makes them the favorite in the division entering the season, but the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins aren’t exactly locks for a playoff spot.

The addition of a former coach of the year recipient and an ascending talent at quarterback certainly make the Patriots an interesting team to monitor in 2025.

Middlehurst-Schwartz concluded, “Lots of new pieces here. How quickly they all coalesce will determine the extent of the Year 1 improvement. Bet on a boost – perhaps even to the level of relevance in the wild-card race – but don’t get carried away.”