New rankings don't even have the Patriots as a playoff lock in 2026Somehow, the reigning conference champions aren't even considered among the league's safest bets for 2026. In a recent piece ranking every NFL team's path to the playoffs, the Patriots bizarrely landed in the "Living on the Bubble" category, coming in at 14th overall. Here's their rationale for putting the Patriots amongst a group that also includes the Jacksonville Jaguars (13th), Chicago Bears (12th), and Los Angeles Chargers (11th). Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels speaks to wide receiver A.J. 1 on the list—yes, they actually finished eight spots ahead of the Seattle Seahawks—is almost as bizarre as putting the Patriots ninth in the AFC and 14th overall.