Rob Gronkowski Names Best Team In The AFC

New England Patriots fans are experiencing a level of optimism unseen since the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era. Mike Vrabel has implemented a system that has the team clicking consistently, evidenced by their 10-2 record heading into Week 13, the best in the NFL.

The Patriots extended their winning streak to nine games when they traveled to Cincinnati to beat the Bengals on Sunday. Rob Gronkowski attended the Patriots’ Week 11 victory over the Jets, signing a ceremonial contract to officially conclude his playing career in New England. The retired tight end offered his perspective on the team’s current trajectory.

“Are the Patriots the best team in the AFC? I think so because they know how to be coached, and they know how to take that coaching and apply to the field as well. They have an offense and defense that know how to work together. They play complementary football out there all the time. The Patriots, they’re the real deal,” Gronkowski said on Fox NFL Sunday.

.@RobGronkowski: The Patriots are the best team in the AFC pic.twitter.com/pJOzLRPJJA

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 23, 2025

The Patriots have reclaimed the top spot in the AFC East this season. The usual AFC contenders have faltered, creating an unexpected opportunity for New England to compete for a conference championship.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens all face mounting pressure in the playoff race. Their scoring and yardage efficiency consistently place them inside the top 10 across the league. Drake Maye has been instrumental in this turnaround, leading the NFL with 3,130 passing yards through 12 weeks.

His 21 touchdown passes rank fourth league-wide, and he has thrown six interceptions, avoiding the turnover struggles affecting other signal-callers around the conference.

The post Rob Gronkowski Names Best Team In The AFC appeared first on The Cold Wire.