Friday, October 16, 2020

New England Patriots Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New England Patriots rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 10.2 (10th)
  • Best ranking: 4th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 10th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Patriots in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

Their game against the Broncos first got bumped to Monday night and then was pushed back to Week 6. We'll see if Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore -- both of whom tested positive for COVID-19 -- are able to play.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

COVID has impacted them in a big way. But the postponement of their game with the Broncos actually might help since Cam Newton should be back.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

Let's just toss out their Cam-less loss at Kansas City. You hate to say Pats caught a break with Week 5 COVID bye, but presumably now having Newton for next game should put them right back on track to posting viable defense of AFC East throne. Their handling of Las Vegas in Week 3 also looks much more impressive in context of this week's league-wide snapshot.

ESPN -- Rank: 11

Biggest weakness: Tight end production

Backup quarterback almost was the choice here after four interceptions in Kansas City in Week 4 (one was more a result of wide receiver Julian Edelman letting the ball slip through his hands). But tight end production in the passing game was ultimately the pick based on a larger, four-game sample size. The Patriots have three catches for 44 yards from their tight ends. This comes one year after they ranked last in the NFL in tight end receptions and targets. -- Mike Reiss

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

The Patriots had another player test positive for COVID-19 on Sunday morning, leading to a third shutdown of the team facility in 10 days and the postponement of the scheduled Week 5 matchup against the Broncos. New England will now hope to play its game against Denver in Week 6, one of a slew of schedule changes announced by the league on Sunday.

Previous update: New England Patriots Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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