NFL Power Rankings Week 6: How experts view the Patriots after a 1-4 start originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots lost what was potentially the most winnable game of their 2024 NFL schedule at Gillette Stadium last Sunday.
The Patriots suffered a 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins team with a struggling offense and without star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is on injured reserve with a concussion. New England’s offense once again struggled greatly and the only touchdown scored came on a short field. after an interception by Christian Gonzalez. New England was also very undisciplined and committed 12 penalties for 105 yards.
It’s fair to wonder whether the offense’s struggles — this unit has scored multiple touchdowns in just one of five games — will result in a change of quarterback. Jacoby Brissett has started every game but has yet to throw for over 200 yards in a single game.
🔊 Podcast on the Patriots: The Aftermath: Patriots Pick Worst Timing for Sloppy Performance | Listen and subscribe | Watch on YouTube
There is a good chance that the offense could be more explosive with rookie Drake Maye as the starting quarterback, but will the team want to play him behind an offensive line that ranks among the worst in the league? The o-line allows for the highest pressure rate and third highest sac rate over five weeks.
Oh, and did we mention the team is also dealing with injuries to many key players?
There’s not much to be optimistic about with this Patriots team, especially with the Houston Texans – one of the AFC’s top contenders – heading to Gillette Stadium for the Week 6 game of Sunday.
The only positive for the Patriots right now is that they leading the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at the experts’ power rankings and where the Patriots stand in the league pecking order heading into Week 6.
“If they’re not on the verge of mutiny, they should be.” -Mike Florio
“There aren’t many positive options to choose from for a team averaging 12.4 points per game. Stevenson was the 24th RB entering the season, but was a sleeper candidate in Fantasy. However, he’s only the 20th RB in scoring through five weeks (averaging 13.3 points). And it’s been a rollercoaster with little consistency or reliability. He started the season hot in weeks. 1 and 2 with 46 carries for 201 yards and two touchdowns, then cooled down in Weeks 3 and 4. with 19 carries for 66 yards and no touchdowns And although Stevenson was one of the few strong points of. team in Week 5 with 89 yards and a touchdown, he came off the bench – Mike Reiss.
“The Patriots’ most productive fantasy player is running back Rhamondre Stevenson, which explains a lot. Stevenson is the 80th most valuable player in the league, averaging 13.3 points per game. Running back Antonio Gibson is next at 176th. No wide receiver is ranked higher than Demario Douglas at 193rd. There’s a reason this team has lost four games in a row and is 31st in the league in scoring (12. 4).-Josh Kendall
“The Patriots ran very well, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. And they passed 18 times while asking Jacoby Brissett to throw it 34 times in a close game throughout. If you were curious to know how the Patriots’ game decisions were going.” –Frank Schwab
“Although rookie Drake Maye didn’t take Jacoby Brissett’s place Sunday in the maddening loss to the Dolphins, the signs seem to be pointing more and more strongly toward a quarterback change. The problem with such a decision , of course, is the Patriots offensive line If they can’t protect Brissett, then how would joining the less experienced Maye make a positive difference? game mode for 2025, but what’s a QB change? The defense held firm until the second half, when it allowed three scoring shots, including the 80-yarder, to give up the game. The Patriots are handicapped enough offensively that they can’t afford to commit 12 penalties, due to poor clock management issues and missing an easy field goal attempt. Jabrill Peppers’ arrest for assault further complicates things. the situation for this team. This is quickly becoming a trying first season as head coach for Jerod Mayo. — Eric Edholm
“It’s time. Keep going. Drake Maye needs to take over. There’s no reason to wait.” –Pete Prisco
“The Patriots couldn’t find much offense beyond their running game against the Dolphins, costing them a chance at victory in a low-scoring affair. Time is running out to make a QB change for rookie Drake Maye.” -Vinnie Iyer
