The New England Patriots have not been in the playoffs since the 2021 season, but their drought could be nearing its end. Winning a fifth straight game on Sunday versus the Cleveland Browns to improve to 6-2 on the year, the club of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel remains in the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

The New England Patriots shook off a slow start and crushed the Cleveland Browns, 32-13, in Week 8 of the NFL season. Drake Maye had another MVP-like performance with three touchdown passes, while the New England defense locked down and forced two Cleveland turnovers --and a late-game safety -- to lead the Patriots to a fifth straight win.

Get the latest odds, analysis, predictions, and picks ahead of kickoff between the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns in Week 8

Week 9 NFL power rankings change with Texans, Ravens, Dolphins, Jets wins, Titans, Saints, Browns, Giants, Bengals, Cowboys, Vikings, Falcons losses.

A familiar face will be on the Browns' sideline Sunday in Foxboro, as former Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe will back up Dillon Gabriel in Week 8 in place of the injured Shedeur Sanders.

Hall became the first running back since 2000 to throw a go-ahead TD in the final two minutes of a game. The last time it happened also came with the Jets when Curtis Martin threw a go-ahead TD back in 2000.

The Patriots have endured injury issues at safety in recent weeks with Jaylinn Hawkins missing two games and rookie Craig Woodson being banged up this week. They still have Dell Pettus and special teams player Brenden Schooler as depth options. The team also signed veteran defensive back Richie Grant in free agency.

New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins made one of the best defensive plays of the season on Sunday, as he came down with a one-handed interception off Browns quarterback Dillan Gabriel in Foxboro.