For much of the Patriots' 2025 season, they were criticized for not facing tough enough opponents, and some believe that is why they ended the year with a 14-3 record, which explains how Drake Maye is considered an MVP candidate in just year two.
While there are plenty of ways to debunk that narrative, it won't be a talking point going into their wild-card matchup with the Chargers on Sunday, because they have one of the best defenses over the past two months, making LA the toughest group the young quarterback will have faced this season.