The Patriots depth especially at the offensive line will be tested this week as the Pats play the Jets today and turn right around and face Miami Thursday
The New England Patriots have opened up as 10½ point favorites in early ‘look-ahead’ advanced lines posted by the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook for NFL week eight. The AFC East rivals will kick off next week’s league action next Thursday in Foxboro. This weekend in early afternoon action the 5-0 Pats host the 4-1 Jets, while 2-3 Miami hosts 2-4 Houston; both of those games start at 1:00 pm eastern time.
Other than the Pats-Fins of course, the best game should be between the undefeated Packers and Broncos on Sunday night; other good matchups include the Bengals at Steelers in an early afternoon game, and Indy at Carolina on Monday night.
The Patriots released veteran cornerback Bradley Fletcher on Saturday and replaced him on the active roster with rookie safety and STs player Brandon King
The Patriots added three new players to their front seven of the defense this week trading for LB Jon Bostic and DL Akiem Hicks while signing Khyri Thornton
The Buffalo Bills did not suffer any letdown after their loss to the Patriots, as they traveled to south Florida and pummeled Miami, 41-14, to advance to 2-1. While three games is too soon to to reach a definitive conclusion, it appears that Buffalo has finally found a quarterback. Tyrod Taylor is completing 75% of his passes with seven touchdown passes to three interceptions, a passer rating of 116.1, and is also averaging 5.6 yards a carry. Taylor was able to stretch the defense with deep, accurate throws; against Miami he was 21-29 for 277 yards with three touchdowns, no picks, and no sacks. Tight end Charles Clay (5 catches for 82 yards and a TD at Miami) has been a nice pickup, and it is worth noting that the Bills were able to score those 41 points without LeSean McCoy.
The Patriots look to go into their early bye week 3-0 and if Tom Brady throws a touchdown pass on Sunday it will be the 400th of his career.
Each of the four teams in the AFC East won their week one NFL games. From what we saw Sunday the division is filled with strong defenses that will be very competitive every week this season.
Bill Belichick has put all of the Patriots critics on notice, he’s not going to take the cheating accusations in the news every time they beat an opponent.
The Patriots already thin WR depth took another hit when Brandon Gibson was injured against the Saints. They need to start getting their players back soon.
The Patriots are awaiting news from the Brady hearing in NY Federal Court on Weds the day before their first preseason game to learn if his suspension holds.