The New England Patriots are expected to be better this season.
Some are even picking the team to end their three-year playoff drought.
With the 2025 NFL season kicking off on Thursday night, 47 writers and editors at The Athletic revealed their predictions for the campaign.
The Patriots earned the most votes as the “biggest surprise” team for the season, earning 10 tallies. The Jacksonville Jaguars received the second-most votes with six.
“New England Patriots. Huge upgrade with Mike Vrabel, the best coach available in the last hiring cycle. Drake Maye will take a big leap forward,” columnist Ian O’Connor wrote.
“The Patriots will double their win total from last season under Mike Vrabel,” senior writer Zak Keefer added.
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye has been a popular breakout candidate among NFL experts this summer.
The former third overall pick has even been compared to the “GOAT,” Tom Brady, at least in a couple of minor ways.
Maye finished the 2024 season with 15 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 2,276 passing yards and a 66.6% completion percentage across 13 games (12 starts), good for an 88.1 passer rating. Maye added 54 carries for 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while finishing eighth in the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
If the North Carolina product takes the next step, the Patriots could very well surprise fans this fall.