I'm getting my money on the over, wow that sounds very generous. I would have to take it seriously at 13 but I can't even see three losses this season. I think we win 14 at worst. I like this very, very much and I am a sports bettor.
There's nothing I want more, as 12+ wins certainly is in our range. I personally see a 13-3 record, 12-4 at worst--provided the injury situation doesn't hurt too badly this yr. One must take into account that there will be IR's, there will be a couple key players who miss 5,6 games, etc.
But being a sports bettor, you should also respect the fact that anything can happen, specifically injuries, bad calls, strange bounces and turnovers, etc. The strong NFL parity is also a factor right now, and all 16 opponents will be pumped up and ready to go to war, as our team wears a big bullseye obviously.
Couple that with a very difficult schedule, 3rd hardest I believe, and one could tend to appreciate a 13-3 record, hopefully followed by a 1st rd bye. The standards are quite high around here, anything less would be a disappointment. That tends to cause a lot of pressure, and we could have a few issues as a team to work through also. One would obviously be the return to form of Brady, maybe the gelling of the secondary, LB's, etc.
I think it would be incredible to win 5 out of every 6 games, leading to a 15-3 record and a berth in the SB. But if they lose a couple games in the first half of the season, I don't see everyone freaking out either. I could see a couple/few problem games in the first 10 or so, with a strong finish as the team peaks and pushes through December.
I just take things a little more cautiously, that's all, and I appreciate the opponents and the fact that the 07 season was very very special. I just hope that everyone isn't just 'figuring' that since Brady is back the team will pick up where it left off in 07--because that's not fair. There are other variables and factors involved too, even though I see great potential for the 09 team. All that matters is :
1. Winning the division
2. Getting a first rd bye
3. Winning the 2 postseason games
In that order--the record could be anything, I just want a shot at the unfinished business this team deserves.