The Patriots come into Sunday’s game against the 4-4 Carolina Panthers with their best win of the season in tow after knocking off the Los Angeles Chargers last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Panthers finally managed to stop a four-game skid with a win over the Atlanta Falcons as they try to recover the form that saw them start 3-0.
On paper, New England has momentum on its side, has played more consistent football to start the season despite also being 4-4, and has fewer major health question marks to answer this week, with the Panthers unsure of whether star running back Christian McCaffrey or starting quarterback Sam Darnold will suit up on Sunday.