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Game Preview

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

PatsProp Preview – Regular Season Finale

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Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Here we are, the final game of the regular-season heads to Miami as the Patriots look to finish strong and avenge their week 1 defeat to a Dolphins side who will be once again without playoff football this season.

Hard Rock Stadium presents the season finale for the Patriots, who take on the Miami Dolphins, here’s your preview for Week 18!

One’s To Watch

Rhamondre Stevenson

Given that Damien Harris is still dealing with a slight hamstring issue, I can imagine them keeping his carry load low tomorrow, allowing him to be fresh for the wildcard game. If so, it could be a big day for Stevenson, who fumbled in week 1 against the Dolphins but has come on a long way since then, proving himself able to carry the backfield in Harris’ absence.

Nelson Agholor

Agholor returns to the team after clearing the concussion protocol, which kept him out for the last couple of weeks. The FA addition hasn’t had the first season in New England like we’d have hoped, but, he’ll be out there tomorrow with a chance to find some late season form before the playoffs.

Chase Winovich

Chase has been left out in the cold for most of this season, which is a shame as I feel he is a useful player. Tomorrow he might be back in the fray, though. With the news that Dont’a Hightower will now miss the game, Winovich could be more involved, along with Josh Uche, some wolverine aggression in Miami perhaps?

Myles Bryant

After standing out with an interception last week in the blowout win over the Jags, Bryant should be heavily involved again in the passing defense. He’s been up and down this season, but he’s certainly cutting his teeth in the league the hard way, and I do think he is improving gradually.

Dolphin Danger

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Who for the Dolphins could cause problems for the Patriots?

Jaylen Waddle

I highlighted the rookie first-rounder before these two last met in the season opener, he had a pretty steady beginning to his time in the league, but he really stepped up into the second half of the season. Mac’s former college teammate is now only 22 yards short of a 1,000 receiving yard campaign. He’ll be Tua’s top target tomorrow.

Xavien Howard

Howard has had a much quieter season than his previous, only amassing 4 interceptions, to his 10 from the 2020 campaign. Still, stats aside he’s been a key part of Miami’s defense and will be looking to ruin Mac’s day tomorrow in coverage.

Emmanuel Ogbah

Ogbah leads the team in sacks on the season with 9.0. He will be the leader of an impressive Dolphins front who can get after the opposing quarterback.

Patriots Playoff Seeding Scenarios

Whilst playoff football is secured, the Pats still have a chance to secure the divisional title, amongst other things, starting tonight when Kansas City plays Denver. So, what could happen?

Patriots clinch no 1 AFC seed with:
NE win + BUF loss or tie + KC loss + TEN loss

Patriots clinch AFC East title with:
NE win + BUF loss or tie OR
NE tie + BUF loss

As things stand, the Patriots would travel to Buffalo to face the Bills for the third time this season in the wildcard game, we’ll know for sure what matchup it’ll be once week 18 finishes.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 24 – Dolphins 21

The Patriots continue with some momentum into the post-season with a close win down in Miami. Patriots 24 Fins 21

@clazzyclare – Patriots 33 – Dolphins 21

The Fins took a beating last week and could be out for some vengeance. The Patriots aren’t the team they were when these two last met and that is hopefully a good thing. The Patriots know what needs to be done and a couple of players (like my favourite, Hunter!) are used to warmer climates (kinda) and I see this one as a Pats win. Patriots 33 Fins 21

PatsProp Preview – New Year, New Team?

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Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

We made it! Another year is in the books and before I go into my preview for tomorrow’s game, I just wanted to express my thanks to all of you that have followed our coverage of the Patriots this year. We aren’t the biggest blog out there, but we enjoy what we do, and your support is so appreciated.

With that being said the Patriots host the Jacksonville Jaguars for their penultimate game of the regular season. Here’s your preview for Week 17!

One’s To Watch

Damien Harris

Whilst Rhamondre Stevenson is back from the COVID list to lend some support in the run game, you can still expect Damien Harris to lead the backfield against the Jags. Harris is questionable with the hamstring issue that’s been ailing him since the first Buffalo game, but he should be good to go and continue on from his big-scoring game last week against the Bills.

Offensive Line

With the Jags stricken by a COVID outbreak, especially across their front line, the Pats offensive line will be key tomorrow as I think establishing the run will be a top priority. The Jags haven’t been the best at preventing rushing play, that will be a huge key to victory for the Pats tomorrow.

Kendrick Bourne + Jakobi Meyers

With Nelson Agholor out with a concussion for the second-straight game, the passing attack shifts focus to Bourne and Meyers to produce the goods. Bourne was active against the Bills last week following a stint on the COVID list, but he didn’t really make much impact, finishing 2/4 catches for 33 yards, I think he’s due a bounce-back game tomorrow. Meyers on the other hand is on course for a career-high year in receiving yards, he needs just 6 receiving yards to equal his career-best of 729. Both will be key tomorrow.

Struggling Jags

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Who for the Struggling Jags could cause problems for the Patriots?

Josh Allen

Not to be confused with his namesake in Buffalo, Allen has been a bright light in an otherwise dark season for the Jags. He leads the team in sacks (5.5) and also has an interception to his name so far. He’s just made it off the COVID list in time for tomorrow’s game, so there is no telling if that will play an impact in his performance, but he’s a solid player who could get after Mac tomorrow and force errors.

Dare Ogunbowal

That’s right, Dare Ogunbowal could cause problems for the Patriots. And you’re probably thinking to yourself, WHO? Well, with their starting back James Robinson out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, Ogunbowal will get his first career start tomorrow.

The reason I think there’s a chance he could have a game is down to the fact that the Pats haven’t been able to comfortably stop the run all year. Against the Titans earlier this season, they allowed 270 yards rushing to two relatively unknown running backs as the Titans were still without their franchise star, Derrick Henry.

Now, I’m not going to be putting money on Ogunbowal having a big game, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that he could run for at least 100 yards tomorrow.

Patriots Playoff Clinch Scenarios

New England clinches a playoff berth with:

  1. NE win + MIA loss or tie OR
  2. NE win + LV loss or tie OR
  3. NE tie + MIA loss + LV loss + LAC loss or tie OR
  4. NE tie + MIA loss + BAL loss or tie OR
  5. NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss + BAL loss + PIT loss or tie OR
  6. NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss or tie + BAL loss or tie + MIA win + BUF win

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 28 – Jags 6

I don’t see this being a banana peel for the Pats, the Jags are banged up and struggling with COVID cases in their camp at the minute. They’ve managed to get some bodies back for the game, but it won’t matter as the Patriots will condemn them to another loss. Pats 28 Jags 6.

PatsProp Preview – Christmas In Foxboro

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Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald

Happy holidays! The Patriots are back home this weekend as they take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, with a chance to tie up the AFC East if they can secure a win, and Miami loses/ties. Here’s your preview for Week 16!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac had his most rookie-like performance last week against the Colts, but, he had an encouraging finish, but in reality, he wasn’t very good. It’s a good chance for him to bounce back against the Bills when just a few weeks ago he only threw the ball 3 times. In this game, with the running back group not in its best shape, I think it’s a safe bet Mac will be throwing, probably more than normal.

Damien Harris

With Rhamondre Stevenson in some doubt for Sunday with a non-COVID illness, Damien Harris will be vital for the team following his recovery from a hamstring problem caused in the first Buffalo game.

With the Bills inability to stop the run in the first meeting, the Pats should be focused on establishing a similar game plan from the off, and Harris will need to be full go to do that.

Offensive Line

The line need to be better, especially on the left side that Isaiah Wynn covers. I don’t think we’ll see any shuffling of the lineup, but I expect to see a much better game out of the group as they really didn’t support Mac well last Sunday.

Kyle Dugger

Losing Dugger last Sunday to a stupid ejection was big, and you could feel his presence missing for the remainder of the game. Dugger wasn’t suspended and will be back tomorrow, I think he’ll have a big role across the defense, especially tracking Allen when he gets on the move.

Angry Bills

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. Whilst he has a lot of upside, he is prone to costly errors and is always good for an interception.

Stefon Diggs

With Cole Beasley out on the COVID list, Diggs will be even more important for the Bills this Sunday. Diggs still managed to make some catches in the first meeting this season, but expect him to be heavily targeted this time around, I think he could be the difference-maker if the Bills were to get the win.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 20 – Bills 17

The Patriots manager to overcome the COVID adversity and defeat the Bills with a late Nick Folk field goal. Pats 20 Bills 17. Merry Christmas!

@clazzyclare – Patriots 30 – Bills 10

It’s no secret the Bills are a decent team and the loss against the Colts was far from ideal. However, the Pats beat the Bills at home, in their own house, so a Gillette success is achievable. Pats 30 Bills 10. Merry Christmas!