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Game Preview

PatsProp Preview – Shipping Up To Cleveland

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Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots head to Cleveland on the back of an impressive defensive performance, beating Detroit last week 29-0. Here’s your quickfire preview for Week 6!

Injuries

*In Addition to above
CB Jon Jones – OUT
WR Nelson Agholor – OUT

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac’s status remains questionable for tomorrow, but as of this evening, he hasn’t been ruled out and has flown to Ohio with the team. I think he will play; and if so, it’ll be intriguing to see how mobile he is in the backfield.

The worry with Mac’s injury was if he would be able to protect himself from Cleveland’s rush, if he plays, my assumption is that he must be mobile enough not to be a sitting duck, we’ll see. If Jones can’t play, it’ll be Bailey Zappe starting again with Garrett Gilbert as the backup.

Rhamondre Stevenson

After a career day last week, it looks like Stevenson will be the lead back tomorrow as Damien Harris is expected to be limited, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he picked up against Detroit.

A star in the making, Stevenson is a must-watch.

Matthew Judon

The reigning AFC Defensive Player Of The Week has been the best player for the Patriots on defense so far this season, he’s also been in a record-breaking mood as he set a new franchise record for consecutive sack games through the first 5 weeks (5).

For me, Judon is so important to this defense, and the team will really need him on form tomorrow against an electric Cleveland rushing attack.

Jack Jones

The rookie has impressed me through five weeks, and the Patriots will call on him again tomorrow, especially now Jon Jones has been ruled out with an ankle injury. A third-straight game with an interception? I’m calling it!

Cleveland Calling

Nick Chubb

For my money, Nick Chubb is one of the best backs in the league and will be Cleveland’s main threat on offense. If the Patriots can limit Chubb specifically, they will have a good chance of coming out with a win, but, he’s a big-time player.

Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett is an absolute freak and I have no idea how he’s even playing after his involvement in a serious car crash less than 2 weeks ago. I worry for Zappe or Jones with him in the game, especially with Mac’s dodgy ankle.

The Browns will be without Jadeveon Clowney, but Garrett has to be treated like he’s two players as it is, the offensive line will need to be at its best.

PatsProp Preview – Throwback Game In Foxborough

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

It’s the first of the Throwback games tomorrow as the Pats will don their classic red jerseys and white helmets against the Detroit Lions, who like the Patriots, sit 1-3 on the season, desperate to find their second victory.

Injuries

Patriots To Watch

Bailey Zappe

The rookie is set to start tomorrow for the Patriots as Mac Jones continues to recover from the high ankle sprain he suffered against Baltimore.

Zappe did well in his first game last week when he replaced Hoyer, but, now it looks like he’ll have a complete game for himself to lead the offense. The team will need him to protect the ball, and take some shots downfield to try and get some points on the board against this potent Lions offense.

Tyquan Thornton

Some good news today came as Thornton was activated from IR to the main 53-man roster, to much joy from fans who have been itching to see their new speedster in competitive action for the first time.

Thornton’s 21-day clock to return began on Wednesday, but, he’s been activated already which is hopefully a nod to how well he’s been doing since suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason.

Even if he isn’t fully fit in the sense of being out and starting as one of the leading receivers, he should offer pace as a deep-threat option to keep the Lions’ secondary honest. One to watch for sure.

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

With a backup QB expected to start tomorrow, production from the backs will be key to victory. Both ran well last week in Green Bay under similar circumstances and I think they can do the same tomorrow, especially against a Lions defense that allows 165.5 yards per game on the ground so far this season.

Hunter Henry

With Jonnu Smith unlikely to play through the injury, the onus on Hunter Henry is even greater. The big Tight End has had fewer receptions (5) this season than he did touchdowns for the entire of last season (9) through 4 weeks.

A very disappointing stretch for Henry, who I’m sure will riggle into some form, especially in the RedZone where he was so key for Mac Jones last year. Will tomorrow be the day we see some more production from Henry? We’ll see.

Matthew Judon

The entire defensive front will need to bring a little extra juice tomorrow in the absence of Lawrence Guy, who’s been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

I think Judon will make life uncomfortable for Jared Goff, especially if he can get to him early and often, causing mistakes.

Jake Bailey

Bailey has been disappointing thus far and after securing himself a new contract, he has to be a lot better than what he’s been offering. Against a Lions offense that has been putting up points for fun, giving the defense favorable field position will be a huge boost, let’s see if he can bring that tomorrow.

Lions Den

Jamaal Williams

With no Deandre Swift, Jamaal Williams will lead the Lions’ ground attack once more, having already amassed 276 yards and 6 TDs rushing this season.

Williams is particularly one to watch as worryingly, the Patriots have resembled swiss cheese when it comes to stopping the run so far in 2022.

TJ Hockenson

Hockenson heads into town on the back of a career game last Sunday where he caught 8 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. This is a big worry for me as the Pats have struggled already this season against Tight Ends and Hockenson could really bring the hurt tomorrow.

I imagine Kyle Dugger will get the nod to provide coverage on the big playmaker, but we shall see.

Aiden Hutchinson

The blue-chip rookie has shown some sparks of why he was so highly touted out of Michigan in this year’s draft. Be on the lookout for #97 on the edge, he’s a real game-changer, Marcus Cannon will need to be on top form against him, or will it be Isaiah Wynn?

PatsProp Preview – Starting October In Green Bay

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Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots travel to Green Bay tomorrow lacking various key players as Mac Jones, Lawrence Guy, and Jakobi Meyers are all out through injury. The focus shifts to Brian Hoyer, who will lead the offense for the first time since Week 4 in 2020.

Patriots To Watch

Brian Hoyer

With Mac Jones confirmed out for tomorrow’s game, Brian Hoyer will get the start at quarterback. Hoyer is a seasoned veteran of the league and gives the team the best chance to win over Bailey Zappe purely on his experience in the offense alone.

Hoyer has lost his last 11-straight regular season games, and he’ll need to be mistake-free in Green Bay if the team has any chance of coming away with a win. The main one to watch.

Christian Barmore

Barmore hasn’t been the wrecking ball that I’d hoped he would so far this year, he hasn’t been bad by any stretch, but I’m hoping he can still advance to be a serious threat for the defensive line.

If he can be disruptive and collapse the pocket to cause Rodgers pressure, it can be a key part in keeping the game close for the Pats.

Nick Folk

I have a feeling that the team will be relying on Folk a bunch tomorrow in what could be a close affair. He must make every kick tomorrow.

DeVante Parker

In the absence of Jakobi Meyers, expect Hoyer to target Parker tomorrow a bunch, who himself is coming off a storming game last time out against Baltimore.

Kendrick Bourne

Could this be the game Bourne re-establishes himself into the offensive attack? We’ll see, I’m not holding my breath, but with Meyers missing again this week, I’d expect Bourne to be more involved, alongside Parker and Agholor.

Green Bay Threats

Aaron Rodgers

The future HOF’er hasn’t got the same offense that we’ve seen dominate the NFC North over the last few years, but, I can’t help thinking that this could be the game where their attack explodes into life. With his younger weapons of Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson, Rodgers, like it or not, still has some decent receivers to target.

If Rodgers is allowed to control the game through the air, it could get out of hand and out of reach for the Patriots real fast.

Aaron Jones

With Davante Parker now in Las Vegas, the main threat in my eyes for the Packers is Aaron Jones, a highly versatile back, Jones has the ability to score on either the ground or through the air. Limiting Jones’ production on the ground I think will be particularly important in the Pats’ defensive plan.

Romeo Doubs

The young rookie is the leading receiver for Green Bay, notching up 137 yards and a touchdown through 3 games. Whilst his numbers aren’t staggering, for a young rookie to be outshining the rest on what has been a very average Packers offensive attack is noteworthy. Keep an eye out for him tomorrow.

Jaire Alexander – Eric Stokes – Rasul Douglas

Alexander was limited in practice this week, but it looks like he will play tomorrow, leading out a formidable Packers secondary, alongside Rasul Douglas, and Eric Stokes.

With Hoyer The Destroyer in at QB for the Patriots, Alexander and co will be licking their chops at some potential takeaways and could really be the difference tomorrow if the Pats can’t take care of the ball.

PatsProp Preview – Ravens Flock To New England

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

Week 3 is here and the Patriots are back at Gillette Stadium for the first time since January 2. Here’s a look at some players we should be keeping an eye on tomorrow against the Ravens!

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

This could be a game for the offense to kick into gear and find some rythym. The Ravens could well be still reeling from their late defeat in a points fest last week against the Dolphins and the Pats have to try and take advantage.

Mac has been poor so far this season, but a strong performance at home could well be the ticket to pull his second year as starter back on the right path.

Hunter Henry

Henry has been missing so far this season and that desperately needs to change. Aside from Jakobi Meyers, Mac really doesn’t a second player to find consistently, whereas Henry was that player last season. One to watch tomorrow, especially in the red area.

Kyle Dugger

At the minute Dugger in questionable to play tomorrow with a knee injury. From my recollection, Dugger played a big role against Mark Andrews in 2020, the last time these franchises met, so it would be a big loss for the secondary if he can’t play.

If he does miss out, look for Jabrill Peppers to step up in his absence.

DeVante Parker

It’s been a less than inspiring start to Parker’s Patriots career so far, on the 4 targets he’s had through 2 games, Parker has caught only 1 of them for 9 yards.

I think he does have a skillset which will be of use for the Pats, but will we see it tomorrow?

Ravens Flock

Lamar Jackson

Jackson has hit the ground running this season in a quest for his second league MVP award, whilst also in a contract year no less. We all know what threat he poses on the ground, but he’s been particularly impressive throwing the ball this season.

The Patriots will need to stifle him on the ground and force him into making poor decisions throwing the ball, I just don’t think they have the defensive talent to compete with their offensive weapons 1on1.

Mark Andrews

The Ravens’ top threat was in fine form last time out, securing 9 catches for 103 yards and a TD. If the Patriots are going to win, limiting Andrews’ production will be key. He’s for sure one to watch on the Ravens side.

Rashod Bateman

Electric burner is how I would describe Bateman. He had pretty much the same statline as Andrews last week, with the exception of his TD catch being a big 75-yard play. The Patriots did a good job of limiting Tyreek Hill from making any big plays in Week 1, can they stop Bateman from doing the same tomorrow?

Marcus Williams

Williams has had an electric start to his time in Baltimore, securing 3 picks in the opening weeks of the season. With Mac making questionable decisions last week throwing the ball, Williams will be on patrol to add to his tally of interceptions. Expect him to cover Agholor on the outside.

PatsProp Preview – A Must Win In Pittsburgh?

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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots head in to Pittsburgh needing a victory this week to kick-star their season against a Steelers team who won last time out. Pittsburgh will be without their franchise defensive star TJ Watt, who got injured in Week 1, but they still have an intimidating defense, helped along by former Pats DC, Brian Flores.

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac was injured in last weeks loss to the Dolphins, but fortunately, post-game tests showed there was no serious damage. He also missed practice on Wednesday with a stomach bug, but was back on Thursday and is all good to go for tomorrow’s game.

I think Mac will have somewhat of a bounce-back against a tricky Steelers secondary, as always, he’s the main one to watch in a Pats uniform.

Kendrick Bourne

I don’t know what the whole situation is with Bourne, but he’s been in the dog house for something. I think it’s about time he’s given some more reps on the field and I have a feeling that he’ll be back to his normal level of involvement tomorrow.

Damien Harris + Rhamondre Stevenson

Harris and Stevenson had a nice start against Miami last week, but their success slowly fizzled out as the game progressed. There is a chance for the Pats run attack to flourish tomorrow, Pittsburgh allowed 133 yards on the ground last week, so both Harris and Stevenson should be fired up for a chance to shine.

These will be a must watch tomorrow, I expect them to share out the carries and targets, especially with Montgomery on IR.

Offensive Line

The line, like Mac Jones, needs to bounce back this week. Along the entire unit they’ve looked less than average through preseason and in Week 1. Trent Brown will be key on the blindside, where Jones got hit a few times last week, I also want to see a more solid game from Cole Strange on the interior.

When this unit works well, the offense performs, when it doesn’t, well, you know.

Matt Judon

Judon can be a real difference maker for the Pats, and against a Steelers team who probably won’t give the offense many opportunities to score, Judon’s performance on the edge will be crucial in forcing mistakes and helping Mac Jones get the ball back.

Pittsburgh Problems?

Mitchell Trubisky

It’s certainly a different era for the Steelers following the retirement of Big Ben, Trubisky doesn’t provide a long-term solution at QB for them and has the nagging trait of being able to lose his team the game all by himself.

If the Pats can make things uncomfortable for him, the offense could unravel quickly.

Najee Harris

Harris is the biggest threat Pittsburgh has on offense for me, yes, they have some decent wideouts, but Harris showed last season as a rookie that he belongs among the top backs in the entire league. He’s dealing with an injury, but is expected to play and could prove the difference for the Steelers.

Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Week 1 AFC Defensive POTW provides a huge turnover threat for the Steelers and will be looking for his next interceptions on the season. Fitzpatrick doesn’t just bring a big presence on defense, he’s an ace special teamer, showing as much last week as he tipped a would-be game winning field goal in the closing seconds of the game.

PatsProp Preview – Starting Off In Miami

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Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

THE NFL IS BACK!!!! The wait is finally over, we have actual football back this evening, and the Patriots will be back in action on Sunday with a trip down to Miami.

The recent history of this rivalry isn’t kind for the Patriots, only having won 2/6 of the last encounters with the fish.

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones
Mac heads into his second season as captain, after being selected by his teammates to the position earlier this week. This is a big year for Jones, who struggled through the preseason with offensive inconsistantsies, he needs to have that big year-two jump that is so often talked about.

He’ll lead the attack with a pretty similar offense, but will have a new target in DeVante Parker, which is definitely an upgrade on N’Keal Harry. Like always, Mac will be one to watch.

Cole Strange
The first-rounder will get his first taste of pro football against the Dolphins, and I’ll be keen to see how he settles in for the first few games. Strange has had a good camp by all accounts, but I just want him to go out there and put a solid shift in and build from there.

Trent Brown
When Trent Brown has a good game, so do the Patriots, usually. Brown will be key in both the pass and run games, questions for me still linger about his commitment and overall happiness at being moved to left tackle, but we’ll see what Sunday brings for the big monster lineman.

DeVante Parker
Parker comes with intrigue and will play a role for Jones in contested-catch passing attempts. I recall a time with one of my first game previews for the blog reviewing the battle between Parker and Gilmore when he was then on the Dolphins roster, times have changed and Parker isn’t the same player, but I think he could be a useful outlet for Jones. One to watch.

Jalen Mills
After having somewhat of a tough first season, Mills has come out of Training Camp as the consensus starting cornerback for the Patriots alongside Jonathan Jones. Mills having a good game to start his season will be crucial, especially against the likes of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill looking to cause havoc on the opposing side of the ball.

Dolphin Danger

Tua Tagovailoa
Tua has slowly become then nemesis of the Patriots in recent games, mastering the game-plans set by Brian Flores. He’s bang average in my opinion, but is now tooled up with fast weapons on an office which has history in dismantling the Bill Belichick set defense. The Pats will need to get after him and force him into making mistakes.

Tyreek Hill
Hill is one of the deadliest receivers in the league and joined the Dolphins from KC for big money this offseason. Alongside Waddle, Hill has the ability to turn a short 5-yard completion into a 75-yard touchdown out of nothing by just using his raw speed. My assumption will be that the defense will play a lot of zone against him, and he must be stopped or things could get ugly.

Xavien Howard
The Dolphins have one of the league’s best ballhawks in Xavien Howard, not forgetting his 37-yard pick six on Mac Jones the last time these two teams met in January. Howard probably is Miami’s deadliest threat on defense, he’s one to watch for sure this weekend.

PatsProp Preview – Buffalo Wildcard

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Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

Playoff football is back on the schedule for the Patriots as they travel to Buffalo for the second time this season, hoping to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Here’s your preview for Saturday night’s Wildcard game!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac hasn’t had the best run of games down the final stretch coming into his first pro playoff game, but, it’s now his time to shine. The rookie has shown glimpses of brilliance and flashes of annoyance during his first year, he now heads into Buffalo for the second time, but it will be a different game, with more at stake.

It’s win or go home, and we’ve yet to see Mac win a game for the Patriots himself, and he may well need to tomorrow by throwing the ball, more than the three times he did when during his first time in Buffalo last December. Anyways, let’s think positively, after all, things worked out well the last time a Pats QB wore a scuba suit in the playoffs away from home.

Damien Harris

Harris played a huge roll when the Pats won earlier in the season at Buffalo and I think it’ll be a similar story tomorrow if the Pats manage to pull it out of the bag. Harris has had a great year, and whilst he’s been well supported by Rhamondre Stevenson, Harris will be lead back tomorrow and is key.

Matthew Judon

Judon has been super quiet of late, and he needs to be visible tomorrow if the Patriots have a chance of winning. I know it’s a lot to pin the result on one player, but, I really think him being able to pressure Allen into making mistakes is huge. He’s been cold of late, a big game is needed by him.

J.C. Jackson

In what could be one of his final games in a Patriots uniform, J.C. will be tasked with covering Stefon Diggs again, something which he will no doubt be relishing. We saw in their second meeting at Gillette Stadium that Diggs wasn’t the receiver the Pats should have been worried about, but nonetheless, he’s always a danger threat and his matchup with Jackson tomorrow is one to watch for sure.

Offensive Line

Isaiah Wynn was confirmed out of the game as he failed to recover from an ankle issue that has kept him out of training all week. Either Trent Brown or Justin Herron are replacements to fill the left tackle position, but either way it’s not ideal heading into a game where the Patriots need to have solid blocking in both their run and pass attacks.

Kenrick Bourne

Bourne has shown the ability this year to be the chunk playmaker for the Pats at times. He’s come up big in key moments and I have a feeling he will have a good game tomorrow. Jet sweeps and maybe a trick play could be on the cards.

Bills Mafia

Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Who for the Bills could cause problems for the Patriots?

Josh Allen

We know what Josh Allen can do, his rise as one of the best QBs in the league has been a fun watch, he’s now an accurate passer with the ability to kill you with his running. Pressure on him will be key, if the Pats defense can limit his running and cause him to force and error or two, it could be a massive turning point.

Stefon Diggs

Diggs is one of the best receivers in the league and will garner much of the defensive back attention tomorrow, as he should. J.C. Jackson will be matched up with him, but even when game planned against, Diggs has the ability to still deliver soul-crushing catches.

Cole Beasley

The Bills get one of their most trusted pass-catchers back in Cole Beasley, who missed the last game as he was on the COVID list. Beasley should be targeted a bunch by Allen, he’ll be another problem for the coaches to scheme against.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 20 – Bills 17

As much of a homer I am, I have to be realistic at the Pats chances. I think it’ll be a competitive game, but, the Bills will edge it as the superior team on the night. Pats 21 Bills 24

@clazzyclare – Patriots 17 – Bills 14

Let’s see the return of the Mac! The Patriots can win this game, they need to win this game, and somehow, they will win this game. Pats 17 Bills 14