The New England Patriots are expected to be better this season.
Some are even picking the team to end their three-year playoff drought.
With the 2025 NFL season kicking off on Thursday night, 47 writers and editors at The Athletic revealed their predictions for the campaign.
The Patriots earned the most votes as the “biggest surprise” team for the season, earning 10 tallies. The Jacksonville Jaguars received the second-most votes with six.
“New England Patriots. Huge upgrade with Mike Vrabel, the best coach available in the last hiring cycle. Drake Maye will take a big leap forward,” columnist Ian O’Connor wrote.