The New England Patriots are trying to win back-to-back Super Bowls for the first time since they won Super Bowl XXXIX in the 2004 NFL season, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles one year after winning Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Carolina Panthers. They\u2019re also trying to make it to four straight Super Bowls for the first time in franchise history, joining the Buffalo Bills are the only team to make four straight Super Bowls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even thought the Patriots have experienced some roster turnover and quarterback Tom Brady is a year older, nobody is really expecting a drop-off from this team. They\u2019ve won the division in 10 straight seasons and registered double-digit wins in 16 straight seasons. Can they maintain their incredible level of success?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In: Jamie Collins, N\u2019Keal Harry, Ben Watson, Demaryius Thomas, Michael Bennett, Jarrett Stidham, Jakobi Meyers, Chase Winovich<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Out: Dwayne Allen, Trent Brown, Trey Flowers, Cordarrelle Patterson, Eric Rowe, Malcom Brown, Adrian Clayborn, Rob Gronkowski<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Patriots will miss Rob Gronkowski more than anyone else. This was Tom Brady\u2019s most trusted target in big situations, with the possible exception of Julian Edelman. Whereas Edelman was the reliable go-to guy for short passes on third down and four, Gronkowski was the big-play tight end who could outrun both linebackers and safeties on vertical routes up the seams. It\u2019s not quite clear who will replace him. The team also lost their starting left tackle in Trent Brown and their best defensive lineman in Trey Flowers, but the Patriots tend to reload at those spots. Chase Winovich already looks like he\u2019s a budding star who\u2019ll replace some of the pressure Flowers produced last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other really big roster changes for the Patriots were the addition of Michael Bennett, the controversial star pass rusher and the addition of Demaryius Thomas, who had played for the rival Denver Broncos for many years but is now with the Patriots. Thomas still has steady hands and Bennett should be a nice addition to the pass rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Patriots will go over 11 wins if\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The defense is elite. Bennett, Winovich and Collins have to deliver results pressuring the quarterback. The secondary looks very strong with Stephon Gilmore, the McCourties and a number of young cornerbacks on the rise. If this unit can slow opponents down, that will give the offense time to sort things out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of sort things out, if the Patriots wide receivers settle into roles \u2013 including Thomas, Josh Gordon and Meyers, Brady could have an excellent cast. It might take time to gel, though, especially with the issues along the offensive line. If the defense is a Top 10 unit, the offense will eventually deliver and the Patriots will again contend for a Super Bowl. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Patriots will go under 11 wins if\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Their offensive line doesn\u2019t hold up. Center David Andrews is out with blood clots and will miss the season. The Patriots made a slew of moves to compensate for the key loss, so we\u2019ll have to see what the offensive line looks like. Remember, they also lost Brown, so this is two elite-level players they are now without. Having to make adjustments at the center position could disrupt the Pats\u2019 offensive line and their whole offensive unit. This had become a team that relied on the ground game quite a bit at the end of last season. If they can\u2019t run the ball or protect Brady, that could spell the end of the dynasty and they won\u2019t win 12 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will The New England Patriots Make The Playoffs? This really needs no explanation: they\u2019ve registered double-digit wins in 16 straight seasons. The question is if the Patriots are going to win the AFC. That is the true uncertainty of this season, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens standing in the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AFC East Final Position In The Standings The Patriots have ruled the AFC East for a very, very, very long time. It is hard to remember the last time the Patriots did not win this division (2008 when the Patriots lost Tom Brady for the season). The other three teams in the AFC East have been mismanaged and poorly coached for what seems like forever. The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets might be on the rise but they\u2019re not here to challenge for the AFC East title in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBEST NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FUTURES BETS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Pick: \u2018Yes\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick: 1st<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n