The New England Patriots have teased potential during an up-and-down start to the 2025 season.

New England is 2-2 entering a Week 5 litmus test against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots maintained some buzz as a playoff candidate following an emphatic win over the Carolina Panthers.

John Breech of CBS Sports named the Patriots alongside the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears as “surprise” teams who can make the postseason as betting underdogs. The Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers are currently favored to earn spots in the AFC.

“Before the season, I had the Patriots as a dark-horse team to make the playoffs,” Breech wrote. “And I feel even better about my pick after watching them play four games.”

Breech referenced a tweet from the Pro Football Hall of Fame noting that Drake Maye became the first player under 24 years old to throw two passing touchdowns with a completion rate of at least 75.0% in three straight games. Tom Brady is the only player ever to hit those marks four consecutive times.

“Maye’s accuracy has opened things up for a Patriots’ rushing attack that has now gone over 100 yards in three straight games,” Breech said. “Mike Vrabel’s defense has also been solid, surrendering just 77.5 rushing yards per game.”

Breech also noted that the Patriots have the NFL’s easiest remaining strength of schedule. They’ll have numerous opportunities to pick up wins against the league’s also-rans.

“Over the final 13 weeks, they get to play seven games against teams that are either 0-4 or 1-3 right now (Jets x 2, Giants, Titans, Browns, Dolphins, Saints),” Breech wrote. “They also have a game against the Bengals.”

That fortuitous schedule doesn’t apply to Week 5. The Patriots will face their biggest challenge of the season when going into Highmark Stadium to play the undefeated Bills on “Sunday Night Football.”

Outsiders may temper expectations if New England receives a primetime reality check, but the Patriots could conversely build considerable national buzz if they upset their AFC East adversaries.