The New England Patriots went 12-4 a year ago and made it to the AFC title game for the 3rd year in a row, before bowing out to the Denver Broncos, 26-16 in Denver. Vegas has the Patriots win total set at 10.5 (O -185… U +150). Let’s take a quick look at the New England Patriots, along with their 2014 Schedule.
Last year the Patriots ranked 3rd in the league in scoring, at 27.8 ppg, while also ranking 8th in total yards (384.5 ypg), 10th in passing (255.4 ypg) and 9th in rushing (129.1 ypg). This is an offense that is used to being in the top 5 in most categories, but that was not the case last year as injuries really took their toll on this team. Still even with all the injuries they had a very good year and will be even better this year. Brady is back and he now has another year with a very nice set of WR’s that include Julian Edleman and Danny Amendola, plus newly acquired Brandon Lafell. Having a healthy Gronkowski will help as well, especially in the Redzone. The running game surprised last year with Ridley and Vereen and should be just as solid this year. The OL is good, but they do have a hole at center. Overall this offenses should once again be a top 5 unit.
Defensively the Patriots played a bed but don’t break style as they allowed just 21.1 ppg, to rank 10th in the league, while allowing 373.1 ypg, which was 26th in the league. The Pats also ranked 18th vs the pass (239 ypg) and 30th vs the run (134.1 ypg). Getting back a healthy Vince Wolfork should help and while they did lose Aqib Talib, they did pick up Darrell Revis shortly after. They did address their need for a DT in the draft by taking Domonique Easley (Florida) with their first pick, but they still have pressing needs at LB and even with Revis the defensive backfield isn’t all that great. I see this defense taking a step back this year, in terms of points allowed, but not by much.
Looking over the schedule and with the talent this team has, especially on offense, I can see the pats hitting at least 11 wins this year. They get the Broncos at home, but also get easy teams like the Bears, Lions, Raiders and their three AFC East opponents as well. They could go 8-0 at home this year. That mean that they need to win at least 3 road games. They do have tough roadies at KC, Green Bay, Indy and San Diego, but they should take at least 1 of those and they should also win at Minnesota. Another 12-4 season looks like a solid possibility for this team.
2014 New England Patriots Schedule
Sept. 7 at Miami Dolphins, 1
Sept. 14 at Minnesota Vikings, 1
Sept. 21 Oakland Raiders, 1
Sept. 29 at Kansas City Chiefs (Mon), 8:30
Oct. 5 Cincinnati Bengals, 8:30*
Oct. 12 at Buffalo Bills, 1
Oct. 16 New York Jets (Thu), 8:25
Oct. 26 Chicago Bears, 1
Nov. 2 Denver Broncos, 4:25
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 at Indianapolis Colts, 8:30*
Nov. 23 Detroit Lions, 1
Nov. 30 at Green Bay Packers, 4:25
Dec. 7 at San Diego Chargers, 8:30*
Dec. 14 Miami Dolphins, 1
Dec. 21 at New York Jets, 1
Dec. 28 Buffalo Bills, 1
Info Gathered From CBS Sports
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