The Patriots therefore continue moving up in the AFC standings, with their 6-4 record now good enough to earn them the sixth playoff seed in the conference.
Not yet having enjoyed their bye week, New England resides in the sixth seed at the moment.
With New England still playing Tennessee in Week 12 and Buffalo in Weeks 13 and 16, however, the team has considerable potential to not only improve its chances to earn one of the seven postseason seeds in the AFC but also to improve it significantly.
Meanwhile, the Panthers and recently signed ex-Patriots quarterback Cam Newton have now moved up into the seventh seed after a decisive 34-10 win in Arizona.