What happened: New England is 4-3 and holds the No. 8 seed after a 30-24 loss at Chicago on Oct. 22. The New York Times column argues the Patriots should be aggressive as the NFL trade deadline nears.

Why it matters: The Patriots are weighing pass rush and receiver trades in a push to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Receivers Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs are on injured reserve, which leaves the position thin.

What to watch: Watch for a move before the deadline; ESPN's Bill Barnwell has projected Washington sending OL Andrew Wylie to New England for a 2027 sixth-round pick.