NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Eagles collapse in fourth quarter during loss to Panthers

2. New England Patriots

Deep down, just about every football fan knew it was only a matter of time before Tom Brady and the New England Patriots figured out a way to turn their season around after 1-2 start, as this team has now won four games in a row. Facing a tough defense on the road in the Chicago Bears was going to be quite the challenge for the Patriots playing without one of their top players on offense in Rob Gronkowski, but once again this team made it look easy after putting up 38 points.

Between Tom Brady finishing with three touchdown passes along with James White finding the end zone twice on his own, New England had plenty of reasons to feel good about a win like this. When looking at the reputation the Bears have developed this season with their defense, this kind of win shows the Patriots are in fact the real deal, and one of the top teams to beat in the AFC.

Even more impressive, New England has now earned two tough wins in a row against Chicago and the Kansas City Chiefs. Don’t look now, but the Patriots are playing some of their best football, which is bad news for the rest of the teams in the AFC.