Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

NFL Legend Tom Brady Announces Patriots Change

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 7:11 AM ET

The New England Patriots have finally found success in the post-Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era. After failing to make the playoffs for the past three seasons, the Patriots under Mike Vrabel are on track to not only reach the postseason but also finish atop the AFC and the whole NFL.

New England won its ninth straight game in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, with Drake Maye throwing for 294 yards and one touchdown on 22-of-35 passing.

The Patriots improved to 10-2 on the season with the victory, and with five games remaining, they could very well end up with one of the best campaigns they have had in the past decade. The last time New England won more than 10 games was when they topped the AFC East in 2019 with a 12-4 record.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off the field after a game.Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Brady, for his part, is definitely happy to see his former team thrive with Maye and Vrabel leading the way. That being said, he gave the team the credit it deserves by moving the squad up in his weekly power rankings.

On Tuesday, Brady put the Patriots at the No. 2 spot in his rankings, moving them up by two spots after he placed them at No. 4 the week prior.

While the 26-20 win against the Bengals wasn't the prettiest, Brady emphasized that winning matters more to him than "style points."

"Again, no style points as the Patriots' dreaded rival Joe Flacco hung around for four quarters, but Vrabel and the Pats ended up taking care of business and sit firmly in the No. 2 spot," Brady said.

A new team makes its debut at No. 1 in @TomBrady’s Week 12 Power Rankings! pic.twitter.com/aTQpB9Mapd
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 25, 2025

The Patriots have the longest active winning streak in the NFL, and they certainly have a case for No. 1, especially since they have beaten teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills amid their unbeaten run.

However, Brady put the Los Angeles Rams at No. 1 amid a six-game winning run and after dominating the Buccaneers, 34-7, in Week 12.

The Patriots play the New York Giants next, and should they extend their winning streak to 10, Brady might have no choice but to put them at the top.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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