The New England Patriots are finally shaping into the Super Bowl contenders we expected. They have won six straight games dating back to their 23-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, and they haven’t looked back since. Two of the wins came on the road, in Denver and in Mexico City. 

Over the last couple of games, the Patriots have really shut down their opponents on defense, allowing  just 12.5 points per game. The offense has been on fire all season long and there is no sign of them slowing down. Brady at the of age of 40 is having yet another MVP caliber season, leading the league in passing yards with 3,146 yards and 22 touchdowns to only two interceptions.

Out of the backfield, Dion Lewis has been spectacular these last couple of games, catching touchdowns, rushing, and returning kicks to become one of the many featured running backs this year for the Patriots. Lastly, Brandin Cooks has started to look like the receiver we traded a first-round draft pick for last summer. He’s caught 45 passes for over 750 yards and four touchdowns. Brady has been connecting with Cooks often; his 64-yard touchdown reception on Sunday was the longest this year for the duo.

As the Patriots look to continue this hot streak, a few things will be  important. The first is staying healthy. The Pats have lost a few key players already to injury in Julian Edelman in August and linebacker Dont’a Hightower.  Second is to continue playing well on the defensive side of the ball. This team is very dangerous when all three phases of the game are clicking as we saw last Sunday night in Denver. Lastly, they must win home field advantage throughout the playoffs since it’s very difficult for opponents to win in Foxboro.