More observers are beginning to take the New England Patriots seriously as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

The Patriots earned their 10th straight victory on Monday night, jumping to 11-2 with a 33-15 win over the New York Giants. Tom Brady placed them atop his power rankings , and he’s not the only former NFL player who feels they’re currently the league’s most impressive team.

Marcus Spears commended New England’s steady dominance on ESPN’s “First Take.”

“The team that you’ve seen consistency from is in the AFC, and they play at Gillette Stadium,” Spears said on Wednesday morning. “That’s the one team you’ve seen consistency from.”

The former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman sees the Patriots as a genuine championship threat.

“Mike Vrabel and his staff, with what I saw Monday

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