In the heyday of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick never liked to take stock in power rankings. Numbers and analytics are useful for fans and even the media, but players know that games are not played on paper.
But is it time to start taking this group of Patriots seriously as a serious contender? FOX Sports' Bucky Brooks tends to think so.
In the aftermath of New England's sixth straight win - a gritty 24-23 decision against the Atlanta Falcons - Brooks has the Patriots second in his power rankings, with the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles the lone team in front of the Patriots.