The New England Patriots are on their quest for a seventh Super Bowl ring. Before January — and perhaps February — football, however, they must tread out the regular season. Following a Week 5 win over the hapless Washington Redskins, they face the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.

Here are the three biggest storylines heading into the week.

3. The undefeated status

The Patriots sit at 5-0, making them the only undefeated team in the AFC. They have a real shot at getting to 6-0 against a 2-3 Giants team led by rookie quarterback Daniel Jones. However, despite their undefeated status, doubters remain, mainly due to the teams they beat.

The Patriots have been just one team with a .500 or above record; the 4-1 Buffalo Bills. The rest of their opponents have a combined record of 1-12, with both the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets winless. Nevertheless, New England isn't in control of their schedule, and they have beaten whoever challenges.

2. The stingy defense

The Patriots offense is having growing pains. The Patriots defense is lapping everyone else. New England is No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed per game (238.4), passing yards per game (160.4), points (34), interceptions (11), sacks (24), and passer rating (44.0). It's fair to say their defense is elite.

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Interestingly enough, New England is doing it without an official defensive coordinator. Instead, they have one of the NFL's greatest defensive minds running the show in Bill Belichick assisted by linebackers coach Jerod Mayo. It doesn't hurt that Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty are playing the best football of their lives, either.

1. Lack of help for Tom Brady

Tom Brady hasn't been his usual dominant self to start 2019. Through five games, the GOAT has 1,409 yards, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions on a 63.1% completion rate. While those are far from bad numbers, they could be better if his support system was doing better.

The Patriots offensive line of Marshall Newhouse, Joe Thuney, Ted Karras, Shaq Mason, and Marcus Cannon is struggling. Though the seven sacks allowed on Brady aren't bad — thanks to his hyper-quick release — the unit has failed to block him consistently on the tape.

In addition to the line, Brady lacks weapons at tight end after Rob Gronkowski's retirement. Though Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman make to be a fine wide receiver duo, the team should be looking for a third option in the passing game. Luckily, rookie first-round pick N'Keal Harry should be available to play if the Patriots take him off injured reserve after Week 8.