Patriots' rapid ascent reshapes the AFC playoff landscape
TL;DR Summary
Patriots' quick rise to the AFC's summit under coach Mike Vrabel signals a broader shift in the conference, driven by a strong 2025 draft class and a rising young quarterback, with other teams like Jacksonville and Denver proving that the Chiefs-era parity is returning. The piece also cautions that sustaining success will require smart roster decisions as elite QBs command bigger salaries and teams must balance long-term depth with star power.
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- Super Bowl 2026: Second-year QB has Patriots on brink of title vs. favored NFC West team. Sound familiar? Yahoo Sports
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