by - New England Patriots
Predicted record: 11-5
Is there even anything new to say about this team? They are the Patriots of the 21st century and a dynasty that cannot seem to end. Bill Belichick’s system works, Tom Brady knows the system well and the players buy into what they are about… WINNING.
Although I do see a crumble of the dynasty coming in the near future and think the Bills can dethrone the Patriots in the AFC East, that time is not right now. The Patriots will continue their winning ways.
I get tired of the agenda that Tom Brady never has any good receivers to throw to because he has had lots of talent around him.
Gronk will be missed this year but a big bodied receiver could make up for that loss of production in the red zone. N’Keal Harry was a brilliant draft choice for New England in the first round. Harry was a star at Arizona State and has great hands. Brady will enjoy having the rookie as a target.
Julian Edelman is without a doubt Brady’s favorite target and will likely have another big year. Phillip Dorsett will also be a main target.
The Patriots might use their running backs like receivers more than any other team in the league as well due to the insane amount of screens and check down passes they throw. That means Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and Damien Harris will catch plenty of passes this year in addition to getting carries.
The defense of New England is the same as usual. Not an impressive defense but not a bad one. As long as they bend but don’t break it doesn’t really matter because they have proven they can win the Super Bowl with this exact same group. The only major difference is the addition of Michael Bennett to the defensive line.
I like the Browns better on paper but the Patriots will win the head to head matchup in Foxborough in week 8. The Patriots win the division and everyone expects them to make another run. The defending Super Bowl champs however will not win it all this year.
