Patriots have fewer blemishes than other playoff contenders

Assessing strengths, weaknesses of postseason hopefuls

As the NFL enters its final weekend of the regular season, a look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of teams that are either in the playoffs or on the verge of getting in:

AFC NEW ENGLAND What’s gone right: Tom Brady has been unbelievable, with 25 touchdown passes and two interceptions. That’s the team’s only interceptions, putting the Patriots on track to break the NFL record for fewest in a season (five).

Aside from tight end Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have been remarkably healthy.

Trouble ahead?: This defense is relatively untested. The Patriots have played few elite quarterbacks. OAKLAND What’s gone right: Ever since midseason, the Raiders’ defense has been on the rise. Khalil Mack has been outstanding, as has Bruce Irvin. The running game has been reliably solid, and the offensive line is one of the best in the league.

Trouble ahead?: Losing quarterback Derek Carr to a broken leg is devastating. He was a Most Valuable Player candidate. Carr’s replacement, Matt McGloin, hasn’t started a game in three years. PITTSBURGH What’s gone right: Le’Veon Bell has rushed for more than 100 yards in six of the past seven games, including 236 against Buffalo. The Steelers defense has improved, especially in stopping the run.

Trouble ahead?: Injuries have ravaged Pittsburgh, especially at the receiver spot opposite Antonio Brown. On defense, the team lost a great player in Cam Heyward. KANSAS CITY What’s gone right: Tyreek Hill, a rookie receiver/return specialist, might be the league’s most exciting player. He’s had runs of 68 and 70 yards in the past two weeks.

Trouble ahead?: The offense can go on hiatus with no notice. The team is 11-0 when scoring 19 or more and 0-4 when scoring 17 or fewer. MIAMI What’s gone right: Firstyear coach Adam Gase has been tremendous, setting the tone for the organization. The Dolphins found a gem at running back in Jay Ajayi.

Trouble ahead?: The Dolphins have a ton of injuries, including to their center, both safeties and two of their linebackers. Last week, five players in their back seven were reserves. HOUSTON What’s gone right: The Texans know how to win at home. They set a franchise record with a 7-1 finish there and are 17-7 at home under coach Bill O’Brien. Houston is No. 1 in total defense and No. 2 against the pass.

Trouble ahead?: Big-money quarterback Brock Osweiler has been benched in favor of Tom Savage. This is a scary time of year to be changing quarterbacks, although three of the six AFC playoff teams are down to second-stringers.

NFC DALLAS What’s gone right: Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott are two of the best stories of the season, powering the Cowboys’ seven-game home winning streak and march to the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

Trouble ahead?: The Giants have been a stumbling block, sweeping the Cowboys. New York put the clamps on Prescott, Elliott and All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant. ATLANTA What’s gone right: Quarterback Matt Ryan is comfortable in the second year of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, especially when it comes to adjusting to the motion. Outside linebacker Vic Beasley has helped the Falcons generate a pass rush.

Trouble ahead?: Ryan is 1-4 in the playoffs, which includes two years as the No. 1 seed. DETROIT What’s gone right: Matthew Stafford has had an excellent season, even with five turnovers in the past 11 quarters since suffering a dislocation to the tip of the middle finger on his throwing hand.

Trouble ahead?: The Lions can’t run the ball, so that puts a lot of pressure on Stafford. They are good defensively, but they don’t create a lot of turnovers. GREEN BAY What’s gone right: The Packers have discovered a running game by moving Ty Montgomery from receiver to running back. But the biggest factor is the scorching play of Aaron Rodgers.

Trouble ahead?: Green Bay has yet to recover from the loss of cornerback Sam Shields. The defense is too dependent on Clay Matthews to generate a pass rush. SEATTLE What’s gone right: The Seahawks have a quarterback in Russell Wilson who has won a Super Bowl. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are swarming playmakers.

Trouble ahead?: Seattle’s offensive line is young and not very good. That’s part of the reason the team doesn’t run the ball well. The defense is missing safety Earl Thomas, and the offense just lost speedy receiver Tyler Lockett to a broken leg. NEW YORK GIANTS What’s gone right: The Giants’ defense is clicking, especially with big run-stuffer Damon Harrison in the middle. Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is among the best in football.

Trouble ahead?: This team has struggled offensively. There’s at least one quarter every game in which the offense is stuck in the mud. WASHINGTON What’s gone right: The Redskins have a lot of weapons on offense, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Trouble ahead?: As good as Cousins has been in some games, he also can be a liability.

Washington’s pass defense has been bad, but the Redskins have faced a tough lineup of quarterbacks.

CHARLIE RIEDEL/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) blazes for a 70-yard touchdown run against the Broncos on Dec. 26 at Kansas City, Mo. Hill, a rookie receiver/return specialist, might be the most exciting player in the NFL.