AFC East Predictions—Season Simulated 1,000 Times

Columnist Written on June 10, 2008

(Page 2 of 6)

New England Patriots (13-3)
It is hard to write a regular season preview about the New England Patriots without immediately thinking about whether that will translate to post-season success. We will get to that on June 20th. Either way, New England was an historically great and lucky team in 2007 that saw its luck run out in the Super Bowl. In 2008, the Patriots return almost all of the offense and overcome two key defections from the secondary to reign again in the regular season with the league's best record. The Patriots average 32.1 points per game (#1 in the NFL) and only allow 19.3 points (#3) against a schedule featuring just four 2007 playoff teams.
Absolute Record: 16-0
Most Significant Newcomer: Jerod Mayo, LB - The rookie out of Tennessee adds youth and more play-making ability to an aging linebacking corps. We project him to make 73 tackles with two sacks and an interception, putting him at #2 in our impact rookie rankings.
Biggest Strength: The System - The brain trust of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady
Most Exploitable Weakness: Run Defense - Pressure on Brady was a concern in the Super Bowl, but that should be an anomaly. Even with Mayo, the biggest weakness of this team is actually its run defense. Teams were behind and having to throw the ball so much last season that the Patriots' 4.4 yards per carry allowed were not as exploited as they could have been.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Chad Jackson, WR - The projections have the oft-injured wide receiver ahead of Jabar Gaffney and Sam Aiken with 29 catches for 509 yards and four touchdowns.
Closest Game: @ Indianapolis Colts (Week 9) - No, these teams will not tie; but, this game is so close again this year that it is too close to call at this point.
Fantasy Notables (fantasy rank at position in parentheses): Tom Brady (1) 4,657 yards, 40 TDs, 13 INTs; Laurence Maroney (17) 1,340 total yards, 13 TDs; Randy Moss (1) 93 receptions, 1,563 yards, 12 TDs; Wes Welker (6) 106 receptions, 1,150 yards, 10 TDs; Ben Watson (19) 32 receptions, 386 yards, 4 TDs; Stephen Gostkowkski (9) 61/61 XPs, 22/28 FGs
Projected 2008 Results:

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written on June 10, 2008 Preview/Prediction

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