The New England Patriots have not qualified for the NFL playoffs since the 2021 season, their longest such drought since the early 90s. However, all signs point toward them ending their three-year streak of missing the postseason in 2025: currently sitting at 7-2 and as the second seed in the AFC — one who will be facing a favorable schedule down the stretch — the team of head coach Mike Vrabel is as close a playoff lock as any team in football right now.

The New England Patriots continue to rise in NFL power rankings after their Week 9 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL game from November 2, 2025 on ESPN.

The New England Patriots survived their Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons, holding off their opponent with a final score of 24-23. However, their sixth straight victory came at a cost: the team saw several starter-level players get banged up in the process.

In terms of the Patriots’ odds to play for the Super Bowl, ESPN’s FPI gives them the sixth-best odds to represent the AFC (6.8 percent). DraftKings Sportsbook has the Patriots tied for the sixth-best odds to win the conference, too (+1200).

This football season, Cardi B is to the New England Patriots what Taylor Swift is to the Kansas City Chiefs: their head WAG. On November 2, the star made her NFL debut while her boyfriend, Stefon Diggs, defeated the Atlanta Falcons.

With their latest win over the Atlanta Falcons, the New England Patriots are now officially tied for the best record in the NFL.