Are this year's Patriots better than last year's?

It's an inevitability that the New England Patriots march into December as a leading Super Bowl candidate, and this year is no different.

New England's being presented with an opportunity to win its third Super Bowl in four years, cementing its place as one of football's greatest dynasties.

With Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers shaping up as one of the most compelling games of the season - and a true test of how the Patriots stack up with the playoffs on the horizon - let's examine how this year's team compares to last year's champions.

Tom Brady

Ordinarily, it would be silly to distinguish a quarterback from the offense as a whole. Tom Brady is no ordinary quarterback, however, and he may walk away with 2017 NFL MVP honors despite stiff competition from Russell Wilson and Antonio Brown.

After serving a four-game suspension to begin the 2016 season, Brady was intent on revenge and submitted one of the most efficient campaigns of his career. He completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,554 yards and 28 touchdowns with just two interceptions, and the Patriots steamrolled opponents, racking up a league-best 14-2 record before winning the Super Bowl. He's posted gaudier numbers, but from a technical standpoint, Brady's seldom been better than he was in 2016, and earned second-team All-Pro honors for his troubles. People may look back at Brady's 2016 season and wonder if he deserved better.

At 40, Brady's been no slouch either. Sporting an identical 67.4 completion percentage, Brady has thrown for 3,865 yards, 27 touchdowns, and six interceptions with three games to go. He's done an excellent job of incorporating Brandin Cooks into the offense, and the team hasn't missed a beat in Julian Edelman's injury-related absence. At this point, it seems apparent that Brady will win his third NFL MVP award. However, by most metrics, Brady was better and more effective in 2016. It's a close call.

Edge: 2016 Patriots, by a sliver

Rushing attack

Before Saturday's games, New England ranked fourth in the NFL with 28.3 points per contest, once again confounding defenses trying to stop the team's multifaceted attack. Dion Lewis is arguably the NFL's most underrated lead back, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, while Rex Burkhead has been equally proficient in the running and passing games. The Patriots have always been better at sprinkling multiple running backs into their offense than any other team, and this season may be the best example to date. Lewis, Burkhead, and James White have kept opponents guessing, to say nothing of Mike Gillislee's early-season contributions.

Last year, the Patriots averaged 27.6 points per game. LeGarrette Blount led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns, but that statistic is somewhat misleading since he was only effective in short-yardage scenarios. Meanwhile, Lewis and White weren't nearly as proficient before the latter became the hero of Super Bowl LI. New England averaged 117 rushing yards per game in 2016, while posting 113.2 per game in 2017. It's a close call, but what's harder to stop: a bulldozing goal-line back, or a three-headed monster?

Edge: 2017 Patriots

Defense

Last year's Patriots held opponents to a league-best 15.6 points per game, despite lacking the star power of other units. Malcolm Butler proved to be more than the hero of Super Bowl XLIX, earning second-team All-Pro honors, and safety Devin McCourty and linebacker Dont'a Hightower joined him on that roster. New England's pass rush was its weakness in the regular season, posting 34 sacks (tied for 16th), but rose to the occasion during Super Bowl LI. Trey Flowers registered 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hits against the Falcons, while Hightower strip-sacked Matt Ryan at a critical juncture to spur the team's comeback.

Many believed the Patriots' defense had completely fallen off during the opening month of this season; the team allowed 128 points during its first four games. New England has recovered strongly, though, holding opponents to 19.2 points per game (fifth in the NFL) and recording 30 sacks (20th). Stephon Gilmore's overcome a shaky start to the year too. If the Patriots' defense peaks in the playoffs, that's all Bill Belichick can really ask for.

Edge: 2016 Patriots

Intangibles

Also reeling from their AFC Championship Game loss to the Denver Broncos, the 2016 Patriots were so motivated by Brady's suspension that they played every game with the ferocity of a Super Bowl. Once Brady returned, they immediately looked like the class of the AFC. Their only serious challengers were the Steelers, and New England routed them in the conference title game. The Patriots' determination to reclaim their throne produced one of the most dominant years of the Belichick-Brady era.

This year, the Patriots appear to be playing for history, as three titles in four years would elevate them to a new echelon. Though they had to overcome losing Edelman during the preseason, this version of the team is secure in its identity. The Patriots remain the squad to beat until proven otherwise, but they're no longer hell-bent on vindication.

Edge: 2016 Patriots

Verdict

Brady may capture his third MVP award thanks to his 2017 efforts. He's supported by a more versatile running game, and the defense has overcome a rough start to the year. Last year's Patriots absolutely wiped the floor with the competition, however, and may be remembered as one of the best teams of all time. Though there's still plenty of football to be played, last year's Patriots look superior. It's on Brady and Co. to prove us wrong - which he's only done umpteen times during his decorated career.