The most annoying narrative Patriots fans have had to hear this season has been regarding their weak schedule. Admittedly, it was the easiest in the league. Playing the Jets and Dolphins twice a year, along with a last-place schedule, makes for an easier strength of schedule, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

If the schedule truly is as easy as thought, then a 14-3 record should be the expectation, and that’s exactly what Drake Maye and company were able to do.

The league’s second-best offense has taken a step back in the playoffs. In their first matchup against the Chargers, they scored a single touchdown in a 16-3 win. In the following game, Drake Maye fumbled four times en route to a 28-16 victory over the Texans. Given Marcus Jones’ pick six, the offense scored just 21 points despite the Texans turning the ball over five times themselves.

All in all, the offense without a doubt needs to improve. Nonetheless, the Patriots are taking down good teams. The 11-6 Chargers were neutralized completely, while the Texans, 12-5, were also incapable offensively. While New England’s offense hasn’t been elite, they are facing some of the best defenses in football.

There will probably be a lot made of the #Patriots path to the Super Bowl if they beat Denver without Nix.

However, the path of defenses for Drake Maye has been a gauntlet: Chargers (6th), Texans (2nd), and Broncos (8th) all have top-8 defenses by EPA.

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) January 19, 2026

The Patriots have played some of the best defenses in the league

The Chargers’ defense is legit. While not laden with stars like the Texans’ or Broncos’ units, they work well cohesively. Pro Bowler Tuli Tuipulotu, Odafe Oweh, Khalil Mack, and Daiyan Henley headline the front seven, while Derwin James is one of the best defensive backs in the league.

The Texans have possibly the best defensive core since Seattle’s Legion of Boom. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are incredible on the edge, while Tommy Togiai has come out of nowhere to be one of the league’s better run stoppers.

Azeez Al-Shaair eclipsed 100 tackles, while Henry To’oTo’o has 95. Each of Derek Stingley, Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, and Calen Bullock had four interceptions this season. They were the league’s second-best defense by PPG.

The Broncos will be another difficult opponent. They ranked 3rd in PPG allowed this season, and are led by the reigning DPOY, Patrick Surtain. Top edge rusher Nik Bonitto is a finalist for this season’s DPOY, and combined with Jonathan Cooper, the pair totaled 22 sacks this year.

Zach Allen and Malcolm Roach are an excellent interior duo, while Alex Singleton, who had 135 tackles during the regular season this year, shores up the run defense. Dre Greenlaw returned to action last week, too.

Alongside Surtain, the defensive backfield features Talanoa Hufanga and Ja’Quan McMillian. First-round pick Jahdae Barron has had a more limited role. Riley Moss, however, is the weak link.

Broncos CB Riley Moss this season:

– 9 games with 60+ yards allowed
– 7 TDs allowed
– 12 Penalties

Kayshon Boutte has 141 yards and a TD in his two playoff games.

— Graham Wilker (@GrahamWilker1) January 19, 2026

New England has faced some of the league’s best defenses over the past few weeks, and they’ll be in need of another win against the Broncos to shut down the “easy schedule” narrative.

Should the Patriots be crowned Super Bowl LX Champions, it will be difficult for the rest of the league to excuse their way out.