The New England Patriots have established themselves as a true contender this year, entering the final week of the 2025 NFL season with a 13-3 record and the AFC East division crown already secured.
But one of the knocks against New England this season has been their lighter schedule — one that has some critics tabbing the Patriots as a potential paper tiger once the playoffs begin.
New England’s .383 strength of schedule is last in the NFL this season, due in large part to the Patriots coming off of back-to-back four-win campaigns.
The Patriots have played a few teams either in the postseason or hanging around the playoff picture in the Buffalo Bills (twice), Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Carolina Panthers in 2025.