Patriots 2021 Season Preview
Looking for 2021 New England Patriots Predictions? 2020 was an interesting year, especially for the Patriots. With Tom Brady gone expectations were low but then they brought in Cam Newton and there was some optimism that maybe the coach would go all mad scientist and make it work.
The Pats were 6-6 before losing three straight to seal their fate, their first losing record since Bill Belichick’s first season at the helm. Not a lot went right last year including a league-high number of COVID opt-outs.
I definitely do not see it as automatic that the coach turns this thing around quickly, especially with there still being a lot of concern about the quarterback position.
NFL Patriots Predictions & Handicapping Insight
2021/22 NFL Team Predictions – New England Patriots
- Patriots 2021 Win Total NFL Odds: 9 (Over -125/Under +155)
- New England Patriots AFC East Odds: +350
- New England Patriots AFC Championship Odds: +1600
- New England Patriots 2022 Super Bowl Odds: +3300
Key Additions:
- TE Jonnu Smith
- TE Hunter Henry
- WR Nelson Agholor
The Pats turned over a number of lineup spots but the pass catchers were the most noticeable. Smith’s numbers were on an upward trajectory in Tennessee.
The same was true with Hunter Henry with the Charges, just nobody expected the Patriots to corner the market on tight ends this offseason. Classic zag move by the coach.
Nelson Agholor has the speed to be a threat on every play. He averaged more yards per catch last season in Las Vegas than he ever had before.. The receiving weapons got a major upgrade. The question which quarterback will be the one doing the throwing.
Key Losses:
- WR Julian Edelman
- OT Marcus Cannon
- OG Joe Thuney
You knew the wheels were going to fall off Edelman when he was done. It was never going to be a slow decline but he will be missed from a culture building aspect.
The coach never wants to pay too much on the offensive line. Getting rid of Cannon (and Thuney) might be smart moves but the line is going to be extra important this season.
Thuney quickly found a home with the Chiefs. Sure KC was desperate for line upgrades but they also don’t have to overpay to get guys to come in there.
2021 New England Patriots Predictions: Offseason Analysis
Last year the quarterback play was bad and when that happens it is tough for the rest of the team to overcome.
This year they drafted Mac Jones in the first round and he is definitely more of the style that Belichick is used to having, the question is how quickly can they get him ready for the field.
Cam Newton as Plan B could be awesome. If he is the top option again the offense is still a bit murky. This team was 4th in the NFL in rushing last season and that was far from all Newton. Damien Harris and Sony Michel both averaged 5 yards per carry.
Belichick is still a defense guy and that unit was not very good last season. Similar to division rival Miami they had success taking the ball away tying the Dolphins with 18 interceptions.
Stopping drives that way keeps points off the board but those numbers are hard to sustain. JC Jackson benefitted from playing opposite Stephon Gilmore to the tune of 9 interceptions.
The Pats pass rush was one of the worst in the league and the return of Kyle Van Noy is not going to ignite it. They drafted defensive linemen with their second and third picks in the draft.
2021 New England Patriots Win Total Prediction:
New England was streaky last season, one three-game losing streak and a four-game losing streak too. When they lost three of four to close the season none of those games were close.
This year they have the benefit of a third-place schedule but that will only really matter if they are improved. The home opener against Miami will tell us a lot about where those teams are at. So will the next week at the Jets.
Most of their tough non-division games are at home and that gives them a pretty good chance. The lone exception there is a trip to Indy, but that is after the bye week, which will help.
I am not very bullish on New England this season. The choice of Jones in the draft might set up future success ,but the roster it still far from elite. They should be more explosive on offense no matter who the quarterback is there will be mistakes, either rookie ones or Cam Newton ones.
The defense I expect to be nothing more than average. Gilmore is a difference-maker but beyond him, nobody really stands out.
The AFC East is better than it has been throughout the recent run of dominance by New England. Last year they were 3-3 in the division and I am not expecting much better.
CappersPicks.com has NFL Futures Odds up on a ton of 2021 Super Bowl futures, and you will also find DAILY NFL Football lines up as well.
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