In first place in the AFC East at 6-2, the Patriots have been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises in the first half of 2025.

After back-to-back 4-13 seasons, New England was expected to improve with Mike Vrabel at the helm, but few were anticipating this big a leap forward. Drake Maye has played a major role in that, as the second-year quarterback is playing his way into the MVP conversation.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked execs around the league whether they believe the Patriots can maintain this early season momentum.

“The consensus: Yes, the Patriots are for real, but not real enough to knock off Buffalo just yet," Fowler writes.

While evaluators were bullish on Maye, an anonymous AFC executive summed up why many aren’t ready for a Patriots coronation just yet.

“I think they are a ye

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