2022 Week by Week Regular Season Predictions - A Fun Exercise

[Ian]

I figured this might be kind of fun, so let's go through and see how the season might play out. I haven't picked a record yet, so I'll start us off and go through each game and see how it finishes.

Week 1 at Miami - I sort of feel like with the Patriots making changes offensively, they might have a little more of an edge in this one compared to other meetings. I think they're going to open things up and between New England's ground game and what is a more well-rounded receiving corps, I think Jones opens the season with a big performance and they get this one. - WIN

Week 2 at Pittsburgh - I don't like this one because of the fact Flores is part of the equation. However, the Steelers' QB situation is still in flux and I think Jones and the offense still plays well enough to get this one. I think someone we don't expect on defense might also have a decent performance, which should also hopefully be a fun storyline from this game. - WIN

Week 3 vs Baltimore - This is a good test for New England's young group of linebackers who after weeks one and two I think start figuring things out. With this one being at home, I think they do a good job of containing Jackson and I like Jones coming off of two good weeks and see him putting up another solid performance here as well. I think this starts the hype on him, which tends to happen when you open the season 3-0. - WIN

Week 4 at Green Bay - I think the Packers come into this one fired up coming off of a potential loss down in Tampa. I think this is one of those weird games where after starting the year 3-0, the defense gets their first wake-up call against Rodgers in a tough environment. - LOSS

Week 5 vs Detroit - Coming off a loss and being back at home, I think they'll be able to turn things around. That and the fact it's, well, the Lions. After a week of people probably questioning whether or not they're as good as people thought after losing to the Packers, I think this is one of those games where they win in a rout for what might be the only one all season. - WIN

Week 6 at Cleveland - With no Watson and potentially no Mayfield, this might be a match-up against Jacoby Brissett and a Browns team that could be 1-4 or 2-3 by now and heading in the wrong direction. I feel like New England might be playing pretty well at this point, but this might be one of those strange games where they should win big but end up pulling it off in what might end up being closer than it should be. - WIN

Week 7 vs Chicago - This might be a night where New England's defense again has a big game as they continue getting comfortable. I think being at home and the fact it's Week 7, we might see Jones in a pretty good groove along with the Patriots' ground game seeing a big performance, with Strong Jr. potentially having a big night. Those tend to come midseason and at home, so maybe this is the night? - WIN

Week 8 at NY Jets - So far during OTAs the talk has been about how good Wilson has looked and how well they're playing. I'm not a big fan of playing on the road there because weird things tend to happen. I think they get this one in a nailbiter in a game where Wilson ends up looking like Joe Namath but the Patriots still manage to get the win thanks to their more physical ground game, which ends up being the difference. - WIN

Week 9 vs Colts - I think the offense is clicking at this point and Jones has probably made enough noise where people are starting to really take notice and I think he goes out and has a big night against the Colts. I think New England's defense makes things tough on Matt Ryan and I believe they'll get this one heading into the bye week. - WIN

Week 11 vs Jets - Coming out of the bye, I think the Patriots are in relatively good shape and with this one being at home, I think they pull off the win. I think this is a week where we see a big night from Thornton after he's finally put on some weight and they spent the bye working him into things, but I still feel like it's another game where the gap is closer than it's been in a while. However, I think we're starting to see Jones really settle in and they win this one relatively easily. - WIN

Week 12 at Minnesota - This one is a little odd, and I'm not quite sure how it will go. Guys like Kirk Cousins tend to look better than they should at times and I feel like this might be one of those games where the defense takes a step back. In what is their first of four nationally televised night games, I think New England loses a tough one. - LOSS

Week 13 vs Buffalo - Another tough game, but I think personnel-wise, the Patriots are in better shape offensively to hang with Buffalo. I think the additional speed they have defensively, along with the motivation of coming off a loss the week before, makes the defense keep things close enough where Jones might edge Allen out performance-wise and New England gets this one. I think this one probably gets people talking about where Jones ranks among the rest of his peers in the AFC and the talk begins on "are they Super Bowl capable?" - WIN

Week 14 at Arizona - The Patriots start the first of two West-coast games on the road, and I think they get this one. I feel like at this point in the season, Arizona starts having the usual things go wrong and I think New England rides some momentum into a game where they have another solid outing and get the victory. - WIN

Week 15 at Las Vegas - In the second of two games of this road trip, I think McDaniels probably wins because odd things like this tend to happen against former coaches. I think Carr plays out of his mind and Josh pulls out all the stops and they beat them. My only hope is that McDaniels isn't fist-pumping on the sidelines like he did in Denver...that would be irritating. - LOSS

Week 16 vs Cincinnati - This one should be interesting. Obviously, at this point, we'll know if Cincinnati is poised for another run or if they suffer the issues that tend to give teams trouble coming off a Super Bowl season. I think the Patriots are also trying to make a push at this point and I feel like they're up for the challenge against a pretty good Bengals team. - WIN

Week 17 vs Miami - I think at this point in the year, the Dolphins are .500 at 8-8 after the Jets end up being the one surprising people in the AFC East (I know...wait until @Tunescribe sees this) and the Patriots have the edge playing this one out at Gillette. In what's the first of two back-to-back division games, I think the Patriots take the sweep and get the win. - WIN

Week 18 at Buffalo - I hate this game. It's a tough environment and I think the Bills win this rematch as Allen comes out and has a better performance after head coach Sean McDermott probably spent the last month quietly preparing for this one and the crowd is as ridiculous as can be expected in what's essentially their Super Bowl. This might cost New England the Division, but at 13-4, they make the playoffs and now it’s just a matter of how far they can go in the postseason. - LOSS

FINAL RECORD: 13-4

 

[Ian]

Post your week-by-week breakdown with how you think it will go each week, along with your thoughts for each game, etc. This was kind of fun, so it should be interesting to see how other people envision things playing out.

 

[venecol]

I figured this might be kind of fun, so let's go through and see how the season might play out. I haven't picked a record yet, so I'll start us off and go through each game and see how it finishes.

Week 1 at Miami - I sort of feel like with the Patriots making changes offensively, they might have a little more of an edge in this one compared to other meetings. I think they're going to open things up and between New England's ground game and what is a more well-rounded receiving corps, I think Jones opens the season with a big performance and they get this one. - WIN

Week 2 at Pittsburgh - I don't like this one because of the fact Flores is part of the equation. However, the Steelers' QB situation is still in flux and I think Jones and the offense still plays well enough to get this one. I think someone we don't expect on defense might also have a decent performance, which should also hopefully be a fun storyline from this game. - WIN

Week 3 vs Baltimore - This is a good test for New England's young group of linebackers who after weeks one and two I think start figuring things out. With this one being at home, I think they do a good job of containing Jackson and I like Jones coming off of two good weeks and see him putting up another solid performance here as well. I think this starts the hype on him, which tends to happen when you open the season 3-0. - WIN

Week 4 at Green Bay - I think the Packers come into this one fired up coming off of a potential loss down in Tampa. I think this is one of those weird games where after starting the year 3-0, the defense gets their first wake-up call against Rodgers in a tough environment. - LOSS

Week 5 vs Detroit - Coming off a loss and being back at home, I think they'll be able to turn things around. That and the fact it's, well, the Lions. After a week of people probably questioning whether or not they're as good as people thought after losing to the Packers, I think this is one of those games where they win in a rout for what might be the only one all season. - WIN

Week 6 at Cleveland - With no Watson and potentially no Mayfield, this might be a match-up against Jacoby Brissett and a Browns team that could be 1-4 or 2-3 by now and heading in the wrong direction. I feel like New England might be playing pretty well at this point, but this might be one of those strange games where they should win big but end up pulling it off in what might end up being closer than it should be. - WIN

Week 7 vs Chicago - This might be a night where New England's defense again has a big game as they continue getting comfortable. I think being at home and the fact it's Week 7, we might see Jones in a pretty good groove along with the Patriots' ground game seeing a big performance, with Strong Jr. potentially having a big night. Those tend to come midseason and at home, so maybe this is the night? - WIN

Week 8 at NY Jets - So far during OTAs the talk has been about how good Wilson has looked and how well they're playing. I'm not a big fan of playing on the road there because weird things tend to happen. I think they get this one in a nailbiter in a game where Wilson ends up looking like Joe Namath but the Patriots still manage to get the win thanks to their more physical ground game, which ends up being the difference. - WIN

Week 9 vs Colts - I think the offense is clicking at this point and Jones has probably made enough noise where people are starting to really take notice and I think he goes out and has a big night against the Colts. I think New England's defense makes things tough on Matt Ryan and I believe they'll get this one heading into the bye week. - WIN

Week 11 vs Jets - Coming out of the bye, I think the Patriots are in relatively good shape and with this one being at home, I think they pull off the win. I think this is a week where we see a big night from Thornton after he's finally put on some weight and they spent the bye working him into things, but I still feel like it's another game where the gap is closer than it's been in a while. However, I think we're starting to see Jones really settle in and they win this one relatively easily. - WIN

Week 12 at Minnesota - This one is a little odd, and I'm not quite sure how it will go. Guys like Kirk Cousins tend to look better than they should at times and I feel like this might be one of those games where the defense takes a step back. In what is their first of four nationally televised night games, I think New England loses a tough one. - LOSS

Week 13 vs Buffalo - Another tough game, but I think personnel-wise, the Patriots are in better shape offensively to hang with Buffalo. I think the additional speed they have defensively, along with the motivation of coming off a loss the week before, makes the defense keep things close enough where Jones might edge Allen out performance-wise and New England gets this one. I think this one probably gets people talking about where Jones ranks among the rest of his peers in the AFC and the talk begins on "are they Super Bowl capable?" - WIN

Week 14 at Arizona - The Patriots start the first of two West-coast games on the road, and I think they get this one. I feel like at this point in the season, Arizona starts having the usual things go wrong and I think New England rides some momentum into a game where they have another solid outing and get the victory. - WIN

Week 15 at Las Vegas - In the second of two games of this road trip, I think McDaniels probably wins because odd things like this tend to happen against former coaches. I think Carr plays out of his mind and Josh pulls out all the stops and they beat them. My only hope is that McDaniels isn't fist-pumping on the sidelines like he did in Denver...that would be irritating. - LOSS

Week 16 vs Cincinnati - This one should be interesting. Obviously, at this point, we'll know if Cincinnati is poised for another run or if they suffer the issues that tend to give teams trouble coming off a Super Bowl season. I think the Patriots are also trying to make a push at this point and I feel like they're up for the challenge against a pretty good Bengals team. - WIN

Week 17 at Buffalo - I hate this game. It's a tough environment and I think the Bills win this rematch as Allen comes out and has a better performance after head coach Sean McDermott probably spent the last month quietly preparing for this one. This might cost New England the Division, but at 13-4, I still think they make the postseason. - LOSS

FINAL RECORD: 13-4

Where's the second MIA game?
Wk 17 is MIA, BUF is Wk 18.

Erin has no weapons, that's a W. We're not losing to Kirk.

15-2, AFCE division winner, #1 seed, HFA baby.

 

[Ian]

Where's the second MIA game?
Wk 17 is MIA, BUF is Wk 18.

Erin has no weapons, that's a W. We're not losing to Kirk.

15-2, AFCE division winner, #1 seed, HFA baby.

I skipped that one for some reason as my Dad called me back and I apparently got sidetracked.

LOL, and you have to go through and tell us how you get to 15-2 and how it plays out

 

[venecol]

I skipped that one for some reason as my Dad called me back and I apparently got sidetracked.

LOL, and you have to go through and tell us how you get to 15-2 and how it plays out

I agree with your wins and reasons why, except we beat GB because Aaron misses Davante and we're not losing at MIN because they have a new coach and it's Cousins. So, 15-2.

 

[1960Pats]

Week 1 at Miami - I sort of feel like with the Patriots making changes offensively, they might have a little more of an edge in this one compared to other meetings. I think they're going to open things up and between New England's ground game and what is a more well-rounded receiving corps, I think Jones opens the season with a big performance and they get this one. - WIN
I wish I had your confidence. Even though I'm not a Tua believer the addition of Hill alone makes them dangerous - LOSS

Week 2 at Pittsburgh - I don't like this one because of the fact Flores is part of the equation. However, the Steelers' QB situation is still in flux and I think Jones and the offense still plays well enough to get this one. I think someone we don't expect on defense might also have a decent performance, which should also hopefully be a fun storyline from this game. - WIN
I'm glad this game is early. They usually figure things out later. - WIN

Week 3 vs Baltimore - This is a good test for New England's young group of linebackers who after weeks one and two I think start figuring things out. With this one being at home, I think they do a good job of containing Jackson and I like Jones coming off of two good weeks and see him putting up another solid performance here as well. I think this starts the hype on him, which tends to happen when you open the season 3-0. - WIN
This is another disagreement, though I'm also not a big fan of Jackson I'm concerned about the defense against him - LOSS

Week 4 at Green Bay - I think the Packers come into this one fired up coming off of a potential loss down in Tampa. I think this is one of those weird games where after starting the year 3-0, the defense gets their first wake-up call against Rodgers in a tough environment. - LOSS
Yeah, this one looks like a - LOSS

Week 5 vs Detroit - Coming off a loss and being back at home, I think they'll be able to turn things around. That and the fact it's, well, the Lions. After a week of people probably questioning whether or not they're as good as people thought after losing to the Packers, I think this is one of those games where they win in a rout for what might be the only one all season. - WIN
If the Pats lose this game go for duck and cover - WIN

Week 6 at Cleveland - With no Watson and potentially no Mayfield, this might be a match-up against Jacoby Brissett and a Browns team that could be 1-4 or 2-3 by now and heading in the wrong direction. I feel like New England might be playing pretty well at this point, but this might be one of those strange games where they should win big but end up pulling it off in what might end up being closer than it should be. - WIN
With a QB they'll be dangerous, but now that Mayfield is gone they won't have one unless Goody & the 32 take care of them somehow. - WIN

Week 7 vs Chicago - This might be a night where New England's defense again has a big game as they continue getting comfortable. I think being at home and the fact it's Week 7, we might see Jones in a pretty good groove along with the Patriots' ground game seeing a big performance, with Strong Jr. potentially having a big night. Those tend to come midseason and at home, so maybe this is the night? - WIN
Another game they better win. Monsters of the Midway my arse. - WIN

Week 8 at NY Jets - So far during OTAs the talk has been about how good Wilson has looked and how well they're playing. I'm not a big fan of playing on the road there because weird things tend to happen. I think they get this one in a nailbiter in a game where Wilson ends up looking like Joe Namath but the Patriots still manage to get the win thanks to their more physical ground game, which ends up being the difference. - WIN
Call me crazy but this game scares me. The Jets seem to be heading in the right direction and could also revert to form, but - LOSS

Week 9 vs Colts - I think the offense is clicking at this point and Jones has probably made enough noise where people are starting to really take notice and I think he goes out and has a big night against the Colts. I think New England's defense makes things tough on Matt Ryan and I believe they'll get this one heading into the bye week. - WIN
They're running game is good but I'd be surprised to see Matt Ryan beat them - WIN


Week 11 vs Jets - Coming out of the bye, I think the Patriots are in relatively good shape and with this one being at home, I think they pull off the win. I think this is a week where we see a big night from Thornton after he's finally put on some weight and they spent the bye working him into things, but I still feel like it's another game where the gap is closer than it's been in a while. However, I think we're starting to see Jones really settle in and they win this one relatively easily. - WIN
I like the Pats this time. - WIN

Week 12 at Minnesota - This one is a little odd, and I'm not quite sure how it will go. Guys like Kirk Cousins tend to look better than they should at times and I feel like this might be one of those games where the defense takes a step back. In what is their first of four nationally televised night games, I think New England loses a tough one. - LOSS
I don't see this as a loss, even on the road. - WIN

Week 13 vs Buffalo - Another tough game, but I think personnel-wise, the Patriots are in better shape offensively to hang with Buffalo. I think the additional speed they have defensively, along with the motivation of coming off a loss the week before, makes the defense keep things close enough where Jones might edge Allen out performance-wise and New England gets this one. I think this one probably gets people talking about where Jones ranks among the rest of his peers in the AFC and the talk begins on "are they Super Bowl capable?" - WIN
To me the defense is the difference, or lack of it in recent history. Until the Pats change that I have a LOSS

Week 14 at Arizona - The Patriots start the first of two West-coast games on the road, and I think they get this one. I feel like at this point in the season, Arizona starts having the usual things go wrong and I think New England rides some momentum into a game where they have another solid outing and get the victory. - WIN
We'll be fine unless our defense doesn't improve - WIN

Week 15 at Las Vegas - In the second of two games of this road trip, I think McDaniels probably wins because odd things like this tend to happen against former coaches. I think Carr plays out of his mind and Josh pulls out all the stops and they beat them. My only hope is that McDaniels isn't fist-pumping on the sidelines like he did in Denver...that would be irritating. - LOSS
Agree - LOSS

Week 16 vs Cincinnati - This one should be interesting. Obviously, at this point, we'll know if Cincinnati is poised for another run or if they suffer the issues that tend to give teams trouble coming off a Super Bowl season. I think the Patriots are also trying to make a push at this point and I feel like they're up for the challenge against a pretty good Bengals team. - WIN
I don't see that happening, especially if the defense doesn't improve. - LOSS

Week 17 vs Miami - I think at this point in the year, the Dolphins are .500 at 8-8 after the Jets end up being the one surprising people in the AFC East (I know...wait until @Tunescribe sees this) and the Patriots have the edge playing this one out at Gillette. In what's the first of two back-to-back division games, I think the Patriots take the sweep and get the win. - WIN
The Pats don't sweep Miami often but they should win this home game. - WIN

Week 18 at Buffalo - I hate this game. It's a tough environment and I think the Bills win this rematch as Allen comes out and has a better performance after head coach Sean McDermott probably spent the last month quietly preparing for this one and the crowd is as ridiculous as can be expected in what's essentially their Super Bowl. This might cost New England the Division, but at 13-4, they make the playoffs and now it’s just a matter of how far they can go in the postseason. - LOSS
What a crappy place (weather wise) to play their last game. LOSS

FINAL RECORD: 13-4
FINAL RECORD: 10-7 (which is actually better than my original prediction of 7 or 8 wins).

In the end I think a lot depends on the defense. It doesn't seem to be their strength but it happens to be Bill's.
I sure hope you're right and I'm wrong.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

God bless all of you for making my 12- 5 post feel like NOT the ravings of a lunatic. I could get there with some optimism and some "you expected an L Here and I took an L that should be a W by the numbers over there" logic. (For the week-by-week you can look at the "12-5, book it" thread)

One I remember was taking the L in Miami in summer. I really think we split with those guys in a home-home split. To me it would be a very good sign off the bat that we're in the "better than your average team" category if we get out of Mia. with the win.

Cant remember who I had week by week, but I think we take that appreciable step forward and the solid playoff berth that comes with it. But unless this wild card new defense is really special, I don't think 12-5 necessarily gets the division back, and because of the recency effect, I think we're really in an uphill climb to take either head-to-head matchup v. Buffalo.

The one thing that's for sure iss that first game cannot come fast enough.

 

[sb1]

@ MIA - W. I think the Pats make a statement to open the season. Yeah they have fast receivers and the Patriots obviously have a ton of questions in the secondary but I think MIA has been bit overrated this offseason and the loss of Flores is much bigger than people think.
@ PIT - I'll say W again but not confidently. Second straight road game, tough environment. Pitt's QB's situation is in flux and that helps.
BAL - Pats get the dub at home, they likely wouldn't in Baltimore but that doesn't matter.
@ GB - L. Tough ask to win in Lambeau at this point.
DET - W.
@ CHI - L. Could be wrong but I think Fields without Nagy makes the second year leap and he'll be a handful and the Pats tend to struggle against these types of QBs over the years.
CLE - W - no Watson no problem hopefully.
@ NYJ - L I think they're due unfortunately.
IND - L. I'm not sold yet on the run defense but I guess we'll see how the season goes.
NYJ - W
@ MIN - L. Wouldn't shock me if this one was ugly. One of those games.
BUF - L. I don't know if the Patriots are ready to hang with this team yet but on the bright side they punt a bunch of times! Progress. lol
@ ARI - W
@ LV - L. Josh will be amped up for this one and so will his team. This usually happens vs ex Patriots coaches. Will be close.

7-7 leaves no room for error but this time the Patriots end December right which is something they haven't done in a few years and is a major step forward for any team that wants to contend. I even think both of these will be very comfortable wins.

CIN - W
MIA - W

This gets them to 9-7 going to Buffalo and the Pats teetering right on the edge of the playoffs with a 3-2 division record and 6-5 in the conference. I don't mind this being a week 18 game. If the Bills have everything clinched then maybe they rest starters and we get a free win. But I suspect McDermott will play his starters 2007 Giants style to try to keep us out. Should be interesting.

I'll go with 9-10 wins and the playoffs 50-50. That freaking Jets game if I'm right might be the difference. But even if we miss out I think we'll see a massive improvement in the passing game especially at QB and we'll see a good defense to go with it... and we'll all feel better about where this team is headed. We'll be in good cap shape too. I'm confident our window opens soon.

 

[UrbanCowboy]

I figured this might be kind of fun, so let's go through and see how the season might play out. I haven't picked a record yet, so I'll start us off and go through each game and see how it finishes.

Week 1 at Miami - I sort of feel like with the Patriots making changes offensively, they might have a little more of an edge in this one compared to other meetings. I think they're going to open things up and between New England's ground game and what is a more well-rounded receiving corps, I think Jones opens the season with a big performance and they get this one. - WIN

Week 2 at Pittsburgh - I don't like this one because of the fact Flores is part of the equation. However, the Steelers' QB situation is still in flux and I think Jones and the offense still plays well enough to get this one. I think someone we don't expect on defense might also have a decent performance, which should also hopefully be a fun storyline from this game. - WIN

Week 3 vs Baltimore - This is a good test for New England's young group of linebackers who after weeks one and two I think start figuring things out. With this one being at home, I think they do a good job of containing Jackson and I like Jones coming off of two good weeks and see him putting up another solid performance here as well. I think this starts the hype on him, which tends to happen when you open the season 3-0. - WIN

Week 4 at Green Bay - I think the Packers come into this one fired up coming off of a potential loss down in Tampa. I think this is one of those weird games where after starting the year 3-0, the defense gets their first wake-up call against Rodgers in a tough environment. - LOSS

Week 5 vs Detroit - Coming off a loss and being back at home, I think they'll be able to turn things around. That and the fact it's, well, the Lions. After a week of people probably questioning whether or not they're as good as people thought after losing to the Packers, I think this is one of those games where they win in a rout for what might be the only one all season. - WIN

Week 6 at Cleveland - With no Watson and potentially no Mayfield, this might be a match-up against Jacoby Brissett and a Browns team that could be 1-4 or 2-3 by now and heading in the wrong direction. I feel like New England might be playing pretty well at this point, but this might be one of those strange games where they should win big but end up pulling it off in what might end up being closer than it should be. - WIN

Week 7 vs Chicago - This might be a night where New England's defense again has a big game as they continue getting comfortable. I think being at home and the fact it's Week 7, we might see Jones in a pretty good groove along with the Patriots' ground game seeing a big performance, with Strong Jr. potentially having a big night. Those tend to come midseason and at home, so maybe this is the night? - WIN

Week 8 at NY Jets - So far during OTAs the talk has been about how good Wilson has looked and how well they're playing. I'm not a big fan of playing on the road there because weird things tend to happen. I think they get this one in a nailbiter in a game where Wilson ends up looking like Joe Namath but the Patriots still manage to get the win thanks to their more physical ground game, which ends up being the difference. - WIN

Week 9 vs Colts - I think the offense is clicking at this point and Jones has probably made enough noise where people are starting to really take notice and I think he goes out and has a big night against the Colts. I think New England's defense makes things tough on Matt Ryan and I believe they'll get this one heading into the bye week. - WIN

Week 11 vs Jets - Coming out of the bye, I think the Patriots are in relatively good shape and with this one being at home, I think they pull off the win. I think this is a week where we see a big night from Thornton after he's finally put on some weight and they spent the bye working him into things, but I still feel like it's another game where the gap is closer than it's been in a while. However, I think we're starting to see Jones really settle in and they win this one relatively easily. - WIN

Week 12 at Minnesota - This one is a little odd, and I'm not quite sure how it will go. Guys like Kirk Cousins tend to look better than they should at times and I feel like this might be one of those games where the defense takes a step back. In what is their first of four nationally televised night games, I think New England loses a tough one. - LOSS

Week 13 vs Buffalo - Another tough game, but I think personnel-wise, the Patriots are in better shape offensively to hang with Buffalo. I think the additional speed they have defensively, along with the motivation of coming off a loss the week before, makes the defense keep things close enough where Jones might edge Allen out performance-wise and New England gets this one. I think this one probably gets people talking about where Jones ranks among the rest of his peers in the AFC and the talk begins on "are they Super Bowl capable?" - WIN

Week 14 at Arizona - The Patriots start the first of two West-coast games on the road, and I think they get this one. I feel like at this point in the season, Arizona starts having the usual things go wrong and I think New England rides some momentum into a game where they have another solid outing and get the victory. - WIN

Week 15 at Las Vegas - In the second of two games of this road trip, I think McDaniels probably wins because odd things like this tend to happen against former coaches. I think Carr plays out of his mind and Josh pulls out all the stops and they beat them. My only hope is that McDaniels isn't fist-pumping on the sidelines like he did in Denver...that would be irritating. - LOSS

Week 16 vs Cincinnati - This one should be interesting. Obviously, at this point, we'll know if Cincinnati is poised for another run or if they suffer the issues that tend to give teams trouble coming off a Super Bowl season. I think the Patriots are also trying to make a push at this point and I feel like they're up for the challenge against a pretty good Bengals team. - WIN

Week 17 vs Miami - I think at this point in the year, the Dolphins are .500 at 8-8 after the Jets end up being the one surprising people in the AFC East (I know...wait until @Tunescribe sees this) and the Patriots have the edge playing this one out at Gillette. In what's the first of two back-to-back division games, I think the Patriots take the sweep and get the win. - WIN

Week 18 at Buffalo - I hate this game. It's a tough environment and I think the Bills win this rematch as Allen comes out and has a better performance after head coach Sean McDermott probably spent the last month quietly preparing for this one and the crowd is as ridiculous as can be expected in what's essentially their Super Bowl. This might cost New England the Division, but at 13-4, they make the playoffs and now it’s just a matter of how far they can go in the postseason. - LOSS

FINAL RECORD: 13-4

Nice, I thought I was a "homer" for thinking 11-6. Happy to be the pessimistic one -- love the enthusiasm. I think we lose one of the Jet games. -- they're bound to get us sooner or later. And we lose one of Baltimore or Cincinnati. I'm also agreeing that we finally beat miami at miami, but I continue to be wrong about that every year. Can't wait!

 

[TheRainMaker]

@ MIA - L. Until Bill finds a way to contain Tua, I can’t say they’ll win. This will be a tough loss to a doofus 1st year HC.

@ PIT -W. Their front 7 could make life hell for Mac, but the Steelers shouldn’t be able to move the ball.

BAL - L. The first major test with these LB’s. I hope Bill copies Flores’ game plan against him. If he does, they win.

@ GB - W. Rodgers will finally get a taste of what it’s like not having anyone worth a damn to throw the ball to.

DET - W.

@ CHI - W. If Fields plays like last year, it should be an easy win.

CLE - W. Regardless of whether Watson plays.

@ NYJ - W.

IND - L. D line will get bullied and Taylor will have a big game. Gilmore returns.

NYJ - W.

@ MIN - L. It's a winnable game, but they have to lose some on the road.

BUF - L. Daddy comes home and beats them down again.

@ ARI - W. Late season collapse on que for Murray.

@ LV - L - too much firepower for the Pats to stop in prime time.

CIN - W. I see the Bengals coming back down to earth and will have a Super Bowl hangover.

MIA - W.

@ Buffalo L.

That puts them at 10-7.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Week 4 at Green Bay - I think the Packers come into this one fired up coming off of a potential loss down in Tampa. I think this is one of those weird games where after starting the year 3-0, the defense gets their first wake-up call against Rodgers in a tough environment. - LOSS

We beat GB. Tampa ain't going to beat them the previous week, so GB comes into this one overconfident...

Week 12 at Minnesota - This one is a little odd, and I'm not quite sure how it will go. Guys like Kirk Cousins tend to look better than they should at times and I feel like this might be one of those games where the defense takes a step back. In what is their first of four nationally televised night games, I think New England loses a tough one. - LOSS

Just no.

Week 15 at Las Vegas - In the second of two games of this road trip, I think McDaniels probably wins because odd things like this tend to happen against former coaches. I think Carr plays out of his mind and Josh pulls out all the stops and they beat them. My only hope is that McDaniels isn't fist-pumping on the sidelines like he did in Denver...that would be irritating. - LOSS

The Raiders may be out of the playoff hunt at this point. They are going to get beaten to a pulp by the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos and will be in last place in the AFCW. At this point they may not even care.

FINAL RECORD: 13-4

That's pretty optimistic. I would say 11-6 or 12-5.

 

[UrbanCowboy]

@ MIA - L. Until Bill finds a way to contain Tua, I can’t say they’ll win. This will be a tough loss to a doofus 1st year HC.

@ PIT -W. Their front 7 could make life hell for Mac, but the Steelers shouldn’t be able to move the ball.

BAL - L. The first major test with these LB’s. I hope Bill copies Flores’ game plan against him. If he does, they win.

@ GB - W. Rodgers will finally get a taste of what it’s like not having anyone worth a damn to throw the ball to.

DET - W.

@ CHI - W. If Fields plays like last year, it should be an easy win.

CLE - W. Regardless of whether Watson plays.

@ NYJ - W.

IND - L. D line will get bullied and Taylor will have a big game. Gilmore returns.

NYJ - W.

@ MIN - L. It's a winnable game, but they have to lose some on the road.

BUF - L. Daddy comes home and beats them down again.

@ ARI - W. Late season collapse on que for Murray.

@ LV - L - too much firepower for the Pats to stop in prime time.

CIN - W. I see the Bengals coming back down to earth and will have a Super Bowl hangover.

MIA - W.

@ Buffalo L.

That puts them at 10-7.

Ha ha on Tua. It's true, tho, he has looked all-pro against us. Taking him too lightly maybe?

Indy is a tough one ... if we couldn't beat them with Wentz, it is hard to see how we beat them with a semi-competent quarterback. Nonetheless, I picked us to beat them (I have no logical reason for this).

 

[TheRainMaker]

Ha ha on Tua. It's true, tho, he has looked all-pro against us. Taking him too lightly maybe?

I think they give his legs too much respect. Bill needs to attack him like he did with Vick in 2001. Flores did this against Lamar Jackson last year.

Indy is a tough one ... if we couldn't beat them with Wentz, it is hard to see how we beat them with a semi-competent quarterback. Nonetheless, I picked us to beat them (I have no logical reason for this).

If they contain Taylor, they can win.

 

[Rob0729]

I hate doing these things because they are a bit of an exercise in futility, but it is a slow day at work and I want something to do:

Week 1 at Miami - I think the loss of Flores is much bigger than people give credit for especially when the Dolphins play New England. Add the fact that this will be week one of a new offense for the Dolphins. The heat and humidity in Miami in September is not that much worse than what it will be like in practices in Foxboro in August. So weather could be neutralized a bit. I think the Pats win. 1-0

Week 2 at Pittsburgh - Flores helps the Steelers here, but the Steelers are in rebuild mode. Plus this is supposed to be a different offense than Flores knows and Flores doesn't have first hand knowledge of Jones other than the two games he coached against the Pats last year. I think the Steelers will be better than some expect, but this is a good time to play them. Later in the season would be much tougher to call. 2-0

Week 3 vs Baltimore - I am not high on the Ravens as a lot of people, but they will be a tough game for the Pats. In Baltimore, I would give the win to the Ravens. I will give the win to the Pats at home. 3-0

Week 4 at Green Bay - The Packers lost Adams and couple of other pieces, but still a Super Bowl contender as long as they have Rodgers. At Green Bay makes it even that much harder to beat. First loss of the season here. 3-1

Week 5 vs Detroit - Sorry it is Detroit. Not much to say here. Win for the Pats. 4-1

Week 6 at Cleveland - I am assuming Watson will be on suspension. If so, a win for the Patriots. If Watson is playing a loss. 5-1

Week 7 vs Chicago - Chicago should be better. Still unknown if Fields will be a good player this year. Tentatively making this as win. Could change, but this looks like a lost year for the Bears in a rebuilding process. If Fields thrives, expectations could change. 6-1

Week 8 at NY Jets - Still not sold on the Jets. I still do not trust their head coach or the QB. I think they will be better, but still will be a below average team and the Pats seem to always have their #. 7-1

Week 9 vs Colts - I am not sure if Matt Ryan will be the upgrade people think he will be, but I think they may get the best of the Patriots this season. 7-2

Week 11 vs Jets - The Jets will be better this year, but not good enough to win a game vs. the Pats. 8-2

Week 12 at Minnesota - Thanksgiving night game vs. a playoff team (probably) on the road. I think the Pats lose. 8-3

Week 13 vs Buffalo - I think the Pats split with Buffalo this year. I think the Bills are a bit overhyped this year. I think this is a game Belichick put on the calendar as a must win. I expect a split with them this year. This will be the game they win. 9-3

Week 14 at Arizona - Arizona late in the season based on the past few years benefit the Pats. They are a team that comes out strong and peters off towards the end of the season. Until they prove otherwise, the Pats will prevail. 10-3

Week 15 at Las Vegas - McDaniels has inside information about this team, but his offense is gone and I am not sure how much he will know of what they are installing. Also, Jones is still growing and some of his weaknesses from last year may be improved or gone. That said, I think back to back road "west coast" games that were preceded by three tough games in the previous fourt may be too much to over come and the Raiders are potential contender. I see a loss. 10-4

Week 16 vs Cincinnati - I think Cincy could have a letdown year after overachieving last year. They were a team that went into last year's playoffs with most expecting them to be one and done and then went to the Super Bowls. Many teams who do overachieve like this have down years the following year. I think that may be the case here. 11-4

Week 17 vs Miami - I think this game will come down largely how good Tua has been all year. If he doesn't take the next step with the weapons he has, the team may quit on him a bit knowing that the Dolphins will be looking for his replacement next offseason and looking to do a bit of rebuild. If he grows as a QB and the Dolphins are in the hunt, this will be a tough game. I still think Belichick will put an emphasis on winning in the AFC East and will make sweeping the Dolphins a priority. And I don't trust Tua. 12-4

Week 18 at Buffalo - After winning in Foxboro, the only way I see the Pat s winning in Buffalo is if the Bills treat this game like a bye because they have locked into the 2 or later seed and the first round bye is out of reach for them. Since I don't think they are a lock for the #1 seed and the #1 seed could come down to this week, I am giving them the win. 12-5

NOTES: I can still see the Pats splitting with the Dolphins despite what I predicted here. Games I think are so close that could flip either way are Baltimore, Colts, Vegas, and Cincy. I will also say I was taking the optimistic view of a lot of those games.

 

[1960Pats]

I think they give his legs too much respect. Bill needs to attack him like he did with Vick in 2001. Flores did this against Lamar Jackson last year.

If they contain Taylor, they can win.

I'm very concerned about Hill in Miami. He's a potential game-changer.

 

[jgreene2417]

I figured this might be kind of fun, so let's go through and see how the season might play out. I haven't picked a record yet, so I'll start us off and go through each game and see how it finishes.

Week 1 at Miami - I sort of feel like with the Patriots making changes offensively, they might have a little more of an edge in this one compared to other meetings. I think they're going to open things up and between New England's ground game and what is a more well-rounded receiving corps, I think Jones opens the season with a big performance and they get this one. - WIN

Week 2 at Pittsburgh - I don't like this one because of the fact Flores is part of the equation. However, the Steelers' QB situation is still in flux and I think Jones and the offense still plays well enough to get this one. I think someone we don't expect on defense might also have a decent performance, which should also hopefully be a fun storyline from this game. - WIN

Week 3 vs Baltimore - This is a good test for New England's young group of linebackers who after weeks one and two I think start figuring things out. With this one being at home, I think they do a good job of containing Jackson and I like Jones coming off of two good weeks and see him putting up another solid performance here as well. I think this starts the hype on him, which tends to happen when you open the season 3-0. - WIN

Week 4 at Green Bay - I think the Packers come into this one fired up coming off of a potential loss down in Tampa. I think this is one of those weird games where after starting the year 3-0, the defense gets their first wake-up call against Rodgers in a tough environment. - LOSS

Week 5 vs Detroit - Coming off a loss and being back at home, I think they'll be able to turn things around. That and the fact it's, well, the Lions. After a week of people probably questioning whether or not they're as good as people thought after losing to the Packers, I think this is one of those games where they win in a rout for what might be the only one all season. - WIN

Week 6 at Cleveland - With no Watson and potentially no Mayfield, this might be a match-up against Jacoby Brissett and a Browns team that could be 1-4 or 2-3 by now and heading in the wrong direction. I feel like New England might be playing pretty well at this point, but this might be one of those strange games where they should win big but end up pulling it off in what might end up being closer than it should be. - WIN

Week 7 vs Chicago - This might be a night where New England's defense again has a big game as they continue getting comfortable. I think being at home and the fact it's Week 7, we might see Jones in a pretty good groove along with the Patriots' ground game seeing a big performance, with Strong Jr. potentially having a big night. Those tend to come midseason and at home, so maybe this is the night? - WIN

Week 8 at NY Jets - So far during OTAs the talk has been about how good Wilson has looked and how well they're playing. I'm not a big fan of playing on the road there because weird things tend to happen. I think they get this one in a nailbiter in a game where Wilson ends up looking like Joe Namath but the Patriots still manage to get the win thanks to their more physical ground game, which ends up being the difference. - WIN

Week 9 vs Colts - I think the offense is clicking at this point and Jones has probably made enough noise where people are starting to really take notice and I think he goes out and has a big night against the Colts. I think New England's defense makes things tough on Matt Ryan and I believe they'll get this one heading into the bye week. - WIN

Week 11 vs Jets - Coming out of the bye, I think the Patriots are in relatively good shape and with this one being at home, I think they pull off the win. I think this is a week where we see a big night from Thornton after he's finally put on some weight and they spent the bye working him into things, but I still feel like it's another game where the gap is closer than it's been in a while. However, I think we're starting to see Jones really settle in and they win this one relatively easily. - WIN

Week 12 at Minnesota - This one is a little odd, and I'm not quite sure how it will go. Guys like Kirk Cousins tend to look better than they should at times and I feel like this might be one of those games where the defense takes a step back. In what is their first of four nationally televised night games, I think New England loses a tough one. - LOSS

Week 13 vs Buffalo - Another tough game, but I think personnel-wise, the Patriots are in better shape offensively to hang with Buffalo. I think the additional speed they have defensively, along with the motivation of coming off a loss the week before, makes the defense keep things close enough where Jones might edge Allen out performance-wise and New England gets this one. I think this one probably gets people talking about where Jones ranks among the rest of his peers in the AFC and the talk begins on "are they Super Bowl capable?" - WIN

Week 14 at Arizona - The Patriots start the first of two West-coast games on the road, and I think they get this one. I feel like at this point in the season, Arizona starts having the usual things go wrong and I think New England rides some momentum into a game where they have another solid outing and get the victory. - WIN

Week 15 at Las Vegas - In the second of two games of this road trip, I think McDaniels probably wins because odd things like this tend to happen against former coaches. I think Carr plays out of his mind and Josh pulls out all the stops and they beat them. My only hope is that McDaniels isn't fist-pumping on the sidelines like he did in Denver...that would be irritating. - LOSS

Week 16 vs Cincinnati - This one should be interesting. Obviously, at this point, we'll know if Cincinnati is poised for another run or if they suffer the issues that tend to give teams trouble coming off a Super Bowl season. I think the Patriots are also trying to make a push at this point and I feel like they're up for the challenge against a pretty good Bengals team. - WIN

Week 17 vs Miami - I think at this point in the year, the Dolphins are .500 at 8-8 after the Jets end up being the one surprising people in the AFC East (I know...wait until @Tunescribe sees this) and the Patriots have the edge playing this one out at Gillette. In what's the first of two back-to-back division games, I think the Patriots take the sweep and get the win. - WIN

Week 18 at Buffalo - I hate this game. It's a tough environment and I think the Bills win this rematch as Allen comes out and has a better performance after head coach Sean McDermott probably spent the last month quietly preparing for this one and the crowd is as ridiculous as can be expected in what's essentially their Super Bowl. This might cost New England the Division, but at 13-4, they make the playoffs and now it’s just a matter of how far they can go in the postseason. - LOSS

FINAL RECORD: 13-4

This would be an incredible year! I hope you are right. I think if they can get out of the first 4 weeks 2-2 at worst, they could have a really good year.

Week 1: @ Miami- Just a house of horrors, but I do think we play well offensively and find some good weapons, but Defense loses it.
Loss

Week 2: @ Pitt- Usually a tough game, but Pitt has some big changes trying to break in specifically at QB, we steal this one.
Win

Week 3: vs Bal- This will be a grinder, but we win the home opener with a late MJ to HH score!
Win

Week 4: @ GB- Even without Adams, Rogers is still too tough to beat at home, and he will get every call.
Loss

Week 5: vs Det- One of the worst teams in the league, I think we blow them out and get over .500.
Win

Week 6: @ Cle- Lot depends on if Watson is playing, I do not think he will so I am going win.
Win

Week 7: Chi- Love a MNF game at home. Mac with the chip on his shoulder will outplay Fields.
Win

Week 8: @ NYJ- I am not a believer in all the draft hype that the Jets got, and I think we take care of business.
Win

Week 9: vs Indy- Payback time from last year. We bounce back and get a big time W against a potential playoff team.
Win

Week 10: BYE- We always win on the by week.

Week 11: vs NJY- Win, move on.
Win

Week 12:: @ Min- Just one of those games where if it was any other day but a holiday, I say win, but the Vikes will play out of their minds and win.
Loss

Week 13: vs Buf- We will force a punt this game, and we will win on a cold Thursday night at Gillette!
Win

Week 14: @ Arz- We always seem to win late against them, and we do so again.
Win

Week 15: @ LV- I think we split the night games on the road, so I have LV winning this.
Loss

Week 16: vs Cincy- I do not buy that this Bengals team is really all that great, and we win at home.
Win

Week 17: vs Miami- Payback from week 1 and we eliminate any playoff shot for them.
Win

Week 18: @ Buf- Not sure if Buffalo will be resting anyone or not, but I think they will still have something to play for and beat us in their dump of a stadium.
Loss

12-5 which will be good enough for a playoff spot. Getting through those first 4 games will be important. 2-2 at worst and I feel like this year could be great! Prayers for a healthy season!!!

 

[borg]

Week 1 at Miami - L
1 PM oven.
A Pats D that lacks cohesiveness to start season.
T. Hill forces BB and his children into a Bend and Break defense. (It breaks)

Week 2 at Pittsburgh -W
10 pt victory

Week 3 vs Baltimore - W
A 'pick 'em' for me so taking home team

Week 4 at Green Bay - L
Another 'pick 'em' for me so home team gets nod

Week 5 vs Detroit - W
Pats 1st bye week

Week 6 at Cleveland - W if the Big Rub is suspended. L if playing
Would be helpful if Chubb is dinged up again

Week 7 vs Chicago - W
Ohio State QB.....ahahahaha

Week 8 at NY Jets - W
J E S T....Jest Jest Jest

Week 9 vs Colts - L
Pats couldn't beat Wentz last year

Week 11 vs Jets - W

Week 12 at Minnesota - W
I'm taking Pats simply because I'm too lazy to give this game any thought

Week 13 vs Buffalo - L
What's changed?

Week 14 at Arizona -W
The Midget usually fades this time of year or is on IR

Week 15 at Las Vegas - L
Historically, BB loses to his ex-coaches in year 1

Week 16 vs Cincinnati -L
Fun game, wish I could go, should be shoot out......Cincy by 3 (34-31)

Week 17 vs Miami - W
Pats are due

Week 18 at Buffalo -L
Pray for another 50 year weather event

FINAL RECORD: 10-7 if Watson suspended, 9-8 if not

 

[Scotty]

@borg .....I agree with your final record. I did this a month or so back and had 10 - 7 but I did not record it on paper so I cant remember the game by game breakdown ......LOL , age has its rewards !

 

[Kontradiction]

1	Sept. 11	at Dolphins	1 p.m. ET	L
2	Sept. 18	at Steelers	1 p.m. ET	W
3	Sept. 25	vs. Ravens	1 p.m. ET	W
4	Oct. 2	at Packers	4:25 p.m. ET	L
5	Oct. 9	vs. Lions	1 p.m. ET	W
6	Oct. 16	at Browns	1 p.m. ET	W
7	Oct. 24	vs. Bears	8:15 p.m. ET	W
8	Oct. 30	at Jets	1 p.m. ET	L
9	Nov. 6	vs. Colts	1 p.m. ET	W
10	Bye	–	–	–
11	Nov. 20	vs. Jets	1 p.m. ET	W
12	Nov. 24	at Vikings	8:20 p.m. ET	W
13	Dec. 1	vs. Bills	8:20 p.m. ET	L
14	Dec. 12	at Cardinals	8:15 p.m. ET	W
15	Dec. 18	at Raiders	8:20 p.m. ET	L
16	Dec. 24	vs. Bengals	1 p.m. ET	L
17	Jan. 1	vs. Dolphins	1 p.m. ET	W
18	Jan. 7 or 8	at Bills	TBD	L

10-7 final record. @NYJ is my annual pick for the “lay an egg” loss than the team usually has.

 

[Hyped]

Yall will want to have what I am drinking/smoking after reading this post:

@Mia - W (The Fish have beaten us 3 times in a row! I don't care how hot it will be!)

@PIT - W (I like getting the Steelers early before Trubisky/Pickett get going.)

BAL - W (I don't see the Ravens throwing the ball...sure Bateman could take a step forward, but I see this as a heavily targeted Andrews offense with Lamar-as-a-RB)

@GBP - L (Fine, not a problem with me. If we go 2-1 for our first three road games, I'll be happy.)

DET - W (I think we roll as long as no one bites any knee caps)

@CLE - W (I think with Watson out, we likely see old friend Brisset for this one.)

CHI - W (Hope Fields hasn't jelled by then.)

@NYJ - W (But, I think it'll be a tougher match up this year...the Jets have upgraded in a big way, IMO.)

IND - W (Screw the Colts, we taking em' down...Mac will burn Gilmore for 2 scores!)

NYJ - W (We will barely escape with a W)

@MIN - L (I think we finally slip up by looking ahead to the Bills, but at least it is a NFC loss)

BUF - W (They will punt on 50%+ of their drives this time!)

@ARI - W (I love playing regular season games in Glendale)

@LVR - W (No fist pumping from McD this time!)

CIN - W (Superbowl hangover is a real thing)

MIA - W (Sweeping the Fish and fixing all that is wrong with the universe!)

@BUF - L (Okay, we lose in a squeaker, but were resting starters)

14-3 record. 1st round BYE.