Predict the 2nd Half of the season

At Philly is the one game that they were underdogs in prior to the start of the season. I’m hoping to see them go 6-2 down the stretch with good health for the postseason.

If we see no substantial injuries and no complete outlier game in terms of bad luck I don't think we will lose again once we have Harry, Wynn back and Sanu better integrated.

The next two games until Wynn stabilizes the pass protection and also will help with run blocking we play kinda with house money.

So anywhere from 16-0 to 14-2 is my guess.

6 and 2 I'd say. Baltimore next week is the biggest mismatch in the AFC IMO. Great run game and and with the O-line right now I don't think Brady will have enough time to exploit their weaknesses.

Another loss I expect against either the Texans or the Chiefs.

I try not to make predictions other than to predict that health is the key. If they can sustain the majority of the current core players and particularly not absorb another hit to the OL they will be very competitive for another Super Bowl run.

Ochmed Jones said:

We have to figure out how to beat Baltimore.

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Which team has figuring out to do?

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots Results | The Football Database

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots Results
The following is a list of all regular season and postseason games played between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots. The two teams have met each other 13 times (including 4 postseason games), with the Baltimore Ravens winning 3 games and the New England Patriots winning 10 games.

New England Patriots lead series 10-3-0

Hyped said:

My odds:

@BAL 45%
BYE 100%
@PHI 55%
DAL 75%
@HOU 45%
KC 60%
@CIN 85%
BUF 70%
MIA 85%

All odds would change week to week. For instance, the Miami game would drop to 50/50 if we were already 14-1 with nothing to play. Likewise, it would also drop from
85% to maybe 70% of we were 15-0...you know Mercury Morris will pipe up at some point if we get there again...

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Your odds underrate the Patriots.

They are favored at Baltimore by 3.

They’ll be favored at Houston or pick em at absolute worst.

They’ve lost like two regular season home games in the last ten years...better than 60% vs. KC. Alex Smith isn’t walking through that door!

If we bring back AB, we go 19-0. Too soon?

@ Baltimore- W
@ Philadelphia- W
vs. Dallas- W
@ Houston- W
vs. Kansas City- W
@ Cincinnati- W
vs. Buffalo- W
vs. Miami- W

Fixed it for you.

Splitting these next 2 is what I would sign right now.

9-1 and then come Dallas we should have our full arsenal and we should be a complete football team.

Hyped said:

My odds:

@BAL 45%

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I don't get the fear of Baltimore. Patriots are currently favored by 3-1/2 with 80% of the money going on the Patriots. Straight up, you have to wager $190 to win $100 on a Patriots victory.

Doesn't Belichick scheme to take away the primary threat of an opponent? Isn't it clear that the primary threat is the running game, more specifically Jackson's running ability? Can't most defenses stop an opponent's running game when they concentrate on that? The secondary threat is the receiving ability of the tight end.

Sure, it's not quite as simple as I make it sound in the previous paragraph, but it's not crazy difficult either.

Week after week, people keep predicting that offenses are going to score 20+ points against this Patriots' defense. (OK, I should have ignored JetsFan79's prediction.) It not only doesn't happen, hardly anyone has gotten close. Shouldn't we believe that the Patriots really will hold teams off the scoreboard? And shouldn't we believe that the highest scoring team (not just offense) in the league actually will score some points, perhaps even 20 points overall?

Anything can happen. But believing in the Ravens over this Patriots team defies what we've seen so far and what we know about Belichick, Brady and the rest of the team.

I expect that after this Sunday, the NFL will have another "aha" moment like they did after the Chargers beat the Ravens in the playoffs last year. They'll be saying, "Oh, that's how to shut down a running QB who doesn't have a lot of passing ability". Belichick will find a way; he almost always does. And not just a way to get by, but a way to dominate. That's who he is.

We'll go 7-1 and I'm just saying that so the Patriots can prove me wrong and go 16-0
But even if they go 6-2, they still get the #1 seed more than likely. Just take care of business Sunday @Baltimore and it should be difficult/challenging but easily attainable.

I won't make any record prediction. I would not be shocked if they lose a game they are expected to win. However, I do expect the OL situation to improve and the Patriots ability to run the ball to get better. The Patriots historically have buttoned things up in the second half of the season and as more tape becomes available on teams, are able to really take advantage of the coaching mismatch.

Its going to be a fun ride this year!

TruthSeeker said:

I don't get the fear of Baltimore. Patriots are currently favored by 3-1/2 with 80% of the money going on the Patriots. Straight up, you have to wager $190 to win $100 on a Patriots victory.

Doesn't Belichick scheme to take away the primary threat of an opponent? Isn't it clear that the primary threat is the running game, more specifically Jackson's running ability? Can't most defenses stop an opponent's running game when they concentrate on that? The secondary threat is the receiving ability of the tight end.

Sure, it's not quite as simple as I make it sound in the previous paragraph, but it's not crazy difficult either.

Week after week, people keep predicting that offenses are going to score 20+ points against this Patriots' defense. (OK, I should have ignored JetsFan79's prediction.) It not only doesn't happen, hardly anyone has gotten close. Shouldn't we believe that the Patriots really will hold teams off the scoreboard? And shouldn't we believe that the highest scoring team (not just offense) in the league actually will score some points, perhaps even 20 points overall?

Anything can happen. But believing in the Ravens over this Patriots team defies what we've seen so far and what we know about Belichick, Brady and the rest of the team.

I expect that after this Sunday, the NFL will have another "aha" moment like they did after the Chagers beat the Ravens in the playoffs last year. They'll be saying, "Oh, that's how to shut down a running QB who doesn't have a lot of passing ability". Belichick will find a way; he almost always does. And not just a way to get by, but a way to dominate. That's who he is.

Click to expand...

My concern isn't the defense. It's the offense. The Ravens are getting Jimmy Smith back to go with Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey. So far this year...we basically have only been moving the ball effectively via the pass...the run game isn't up to stuff yet. Maybe Snau gets up to speed faster than I think...maybe Watson makes a few plays...maybe Brady starts going to Meyers more... But all I have seen is mostly timely deep passes to Dorsett, swing passes to White, and Brady targeting Edelman on have-to-have-it downs. On Lazar's film reviews...I am seeing open guys, but Brady doesn't have time to scan to his 3rd/4th read. I think Baltimore's D is up to keeping the Pats under 20. If that happens...it only takes 1-2 big special teams plays to back up our defense in the red zone. Our D is historically good, but they can be scored on....and Tucker is effective anywhere from 40 yards to the GL...even outside. Also, the Ravens' run game will burn a lot of clock...and put more stress on our D.

They pay the other guys too....it will be Lamar Jackson's 2nd BIGGEST NFL game of his life.

PatsBoy12 said:

Why are so many people on the board predicting a loss to HOU?

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For the same reason some of us are also predicting losses @ Bal'more & @ Philthadelphia: because our weak-ass offense sucks, and a weak-ass offense doesn't travel well.

PatsBoy12 said:

Why are so many people on the board predicting a loss to HOU?

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I have no idea. I can see a L vs Baltimore...but Houston? I just can't see it

TruthSeeker said:

I don't get the fear of Baltimore. Patriots are currently favored by 3-1/2 with 80% of the money going on the Patriots. Straight up, you have to wager $190 to win $100 on a Patriots victory.

Doesn't Belichick scheme to take away the primary threat of an opponent? Isn't it clear that the primary threat is the running game, more specifically Jackson's running ability? Can't most defenses stop an opponent's running game when they concentrate on that? The secondary threat is the receiving ability of the tight end.

Sure, it's not quite as simple as I make it sound in the previous paragraph, but it's not crazy difficult either.

Week after week, people keep predicting that offenses are going to score 20+ points against this Patriots' defense. (OK, I should have ignored JetsFan79's prediction.) It not only doesn't happen, hardly anyone has gotten close. Shouldn't we believe that the Patriots really will hold teams off the scoreboard? And shouldn't we believe that the highest scoring team (not just offense) in the league actually will score some points, perhaps even 20 points overall?

Anything can happen. But believing in the Ravens over this Patriots team defies what we've seen so far and what we know about Belichick, Brady and the rest of the team.

I expect that after this Sunday, the NFL will have another "aha" moment like they did after the Chagers beat the Ravens in the playoffs last year. They'll be saying, "Oh, that's how to shut down a running QB who doesn't have a lot of passing ability". Belichick will find a way; he almost always does. And not just a way to get by, but a way to dominate. That's who he is.

Click to expand...

The fear of the Ravens is based on their DOMINATING 3-8 record against B and B and also on the fact that our sucky offense only leads the league in points scored and points per game.

Baltimore's offense is so great because their QB can't throw to save his life.

PatsBoy12 said:

Why are so many people on the board predicting a loss to HOU?

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I'm honestly kind of wondering this about the Ravens, myself. While mobile QBs sometimes give BB fits, his penchant for taking new QBs (1st/2nd) year is pretty good IIRC. If there's a defense that can play disciplined and still get enough pressure, it's this year's Pats. If we can force that guy to throw to our tight secondary, I think we can bag a W with some ease.

I don't underestimate the Ravens btw, I just am remaining cautiously optimistic.

Anyone who wants to rip my hypothesis apart, go ahead!

I expect 2 losses. I don't count a possible last game loss if there is nothing to play for, and almost all the starters are inactive.

Hyped said:

My concern isn't the defense. It's the offense. The Ravens are getting Jimmy Smith back to go with Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey. So far this year...we basically have only been moving the ball effectively via the pass...the run game isn't up to stuff yet. Maybe Snau gets up to speed faster than I think...maybe Watson makes a few plays...maybe Brady starts going to Meyers more... But all I have seen is mostly timely deep passes to Dorsett, swing passes to White, and Brady targeting Edelman on have-to-have-it downs. On Lazar's film reviews...I am seeing open guys, but Brady doesn't have time to scan to his 3rd/4th read. I think Baltimore's D is up to keeping the Pats under 20. If that happens...it only takes 1-2 big special teams plays to back up our defense in the red zone. Our D is historically good, but they can be scored on....and Tucker is effective anywhere from 40 yards to the GL...even outside. Also, the Ravens' run game will burn a lot of clock...and put more stress on our D.

They pay the other guys too....it will be Lamar Jackson's 2nd BIGGEST NFL game of his life.

Click to expand...

I agree with you that the Patriots offense is not that good, primarily because of the offensive line. But Baltimore is only 18th in Defensive DVOA at .8%, barely under average (negative is good). Their pass defense is 4.1%, a little under average.

Baltimore's pass rush is ranked 29th out of the 32 teams.

These stats all tell me that the Patriots should be able to pass successfully against Baltimore. This is actually a *good* matchup for the Patriots offense, not a bad matchup.

I’ve seen nothing happen on the field this season that would have me expecting the patriots would lose to anyone, anywhere