Cold Hard Facts Dispel Notion That Patriots Dynasty Benefited From Weak Opponents

The New England Patriots have been a force in the NFL ever since Tom Brady became the starting quarterback in 2001. In 19 seasons, Brady has yet to post a losing record with the Pats, and almost certainly never will thanks to his stellar play and incredible coaching from Bill Belichick.

When thinking about the Patriots' dynasty, however, many will jump at the opportunity to insist that the Pats have had it easy given that they play in the AFC East. After all, the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins can never seem to get it together. However, the numbers don't lie: the Patriots have actually faced the toughest cumulative regular-season schedules among recent NFL dynasties and near-dynasties.

It doesn't stop there, as the Pats have also had one of the toughest postseason schedules possible during their incredible 19-year run.

This stat includes last year's dominant run to Super Bowl glory in which the Pats defeated teams with a combined 37-11 record in the postseason en route to their sixth championship ring.

Like just about every team, the Patriots have lucked out with their fair share of fairly easy regular-season matchups in the past, but the sheer consistency of success that they've enjoyed against absurdly strong opponents in the postseason is the most important takeaway here.

Whether you like the Patriots or not, you simply cannot deny their incredible winning ways. They're the very definition of greatness in the NFL, and none of it is smoke and mirrors.