The New England Patriots are well ahead of schedule at 7-2 after two successive 4-12 seasons, with new head coach Mike Vrabel’s side on the joint-longest winning streak in the league with six in a row – including a statement primetime win over the Bills in Buffalo.
The Pats have the sixth best defence in points allowed and the seventh best scoring offence so are really well balanced, and second-year quarterback Drake Maye has been the most accurate passer in the league so far.
Nobody expected too much from Daniel Jones in Indianapolis but the much-maligned former Giants quarterback was superb in leading the league’s top scorers for eight weeks.
It all came crashing down against Pittsburgh in week eight, with Jones doubling the team’s season totals for interceptions and fumbles, so they need to show who the real Colts are as their schedule starts to hot up.
And could the tide finally be turning in Carolina? The Panthers are 5-4 and chasing a first winning season since 2017. Only one of those victories came against a side with a winning record, but it was the Packers on Sunday in what could be a statement success.
The Panthers will need to improve on their average 18.9 points a game on offence to make that more than a one-off, but the signs are positive at least.
