NFL Power Rankings: Steelers climbing the ladder heading into Week 6

18. New England Patriots

It turns out that replacing the best player in the history of football isn’t something that the Patriots can do overnight — even with a mastermind like Bill Belichick. After a very disappointing 2020 season, many were hoping that a fresh start with a rookie quarterback would solve all of their problems.

While Mac Jones has been the best QB of the rookie class so far, that really isn’t saying a whole lot, and New England’s offense is lacking talent — particularly when it comes to their skill players. As a result, the Patriots are currently just 26th in the league in points per game (19.2)

Fortunately, a top-five defense that allows just 18.4 points per contest can mask some of their weaknesses on the offensive side of the ball. Still, the Patriots have played three bottom-of-the-barrel teams so far, and they narrowly escaped with a victory over the Texans last week.

Things won’t get any easier in Week 6 as they take on the red-hot Dallas Cowboys. With a difficult schedule ahead, New England could slip in the power rankings if they don’t show up to play.