The Patriots are ranked fourth in points allowed per game (18.8) and second in rushing yards allowed per game (88.2), but they don’t seem to be getting the same recognition as the three better-ranked scoring defenses: Cincinnati (16.9 points per game), Minnesota (17.1) and Denver (18.7).

And consider this: The Pats have surrendered the second most garbage-time points in the league with 35 points allowed with at least a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. (The Raiders have allowed 38 largely because they coughed up 23 to the Chargers in Week 7.) The Bengals (27 garbage-time points) are close, but the Vikings (14) and Broncos (0) aren’t. Take away those garbage-time points, and here’s how those four teams would be ranked in scoring defense: Bengals (13.9), Patriots (14.9), Vikings (15.6) and Broncos (18.7).