Welcome back! The bye week was eventful, but it wasn’t the same without the Pats playing. With a week until Christmas, the Patriots head on the road for a tricky test in Indianapolis, hoping to further solidify their place in the AFC standings.

Here’s your preview for week 15!

One’s To Watch

Rhamondre Stevenson

With no Damien Harris, Stevenson will lead the rushing attack tonight, similar to the game against Cleveland in week 10 when Harris missed out last. Stevenson has really come on as a complimentary piece of the offense in the second half of the season, he’ll be due a heavy workload this evening.

Brandon Bolden

Again, in the absence of Harris, Bolden will be worth keeping an eye on, he’s been very useful this year, filling in for James White in that swiss army knife role out of the backfield.

Mac Jones

I was a little concerned to see Mac show up on the injury report this week for a thumb injury to his non-throwing hand, but, he quickly reassured me with his comical thumb wiggling routine in a presser midweek. Jones has had a week to study ahead of this game and I’m hoping he’ll get back into the thick of it following all the talk after the Buffalo game when he only passed three times.

Christian Barmore

Stopping Taylor tonight will be crucial, and I think Barmore will have a massive part of the defensive gameplan, he’s been electric so far in his rookie season, definitely one to watch tonight.

Dangerous Colts

Who for the Colts could cause problems for the Patriots?

Jonathan Taylor

Probably one of the biggest threats the Pats will face this season is Jonathan Taylor. He was floating around the MVP conversation somewhat in recent weeks, which may be just hyperbole, but, it’s a high compliment for a running back. Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns and the Patriots will have to limit his play tonight, otherwise, he could run over them all game.

Michael Pittman Jr

The second-year WR has risen to be Carson Wentz’s top target for the Colts. At 6’3 he’s really lanky and can make athletic plays all over the field. TY Hilton commented this week that he’s never faced the Pats without being double covered, I think I can say that won’t be an issue in this game, Pittman will get most of the attention.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 24 – Colts 21

I see this being a close game with some up and down play, but in the end, I have the Pats coming out on top with a field goal win late on. Patriots 24 Colts 21

@clazzyclare – Patriots 27 – Colts 14

This match up should have me concerned, the Colts are a sneaky good team and have been doing very well. But I have a strange confidence that the Patriots have got this! Patriots 27 Colts 14.

The Patriots head into Atanta on the short week at 6-4 on the season, having won four straight games. It’s a different story for the Falcons as they sit at 4-5 in the midst of a roster rebuild, with many questions about their future still unanswered. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

On the back of his best performance to date, Mac Jones has no time to rest on his laurels as he prepares for the first short week of his young NFL career. Jones should be brimming with confidence heading into this one, the Falcons have been dreadful all season on defense, especially in the secondary, and their front has left a lot to be desired in the form of any sort of pass-rush.

Mac should be fun to watch tomorrow night.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Damien Harris was not on the Pats official injury report today, paving the way for him to be active tomorrow. Stevenson could very well lead the backfield once again even if Harris is able to go, as I wouldn’t expect him to have a full workload, especially so soon after a concussion.

Trent Brown

Brown was man-handling players on Sunday, and it was FREAKY to watch. The sheer size and strength of this human is unfathomable, and the run game behind him certainly looked a lot better. Whilst he’s healthy and out there playing, keep one eye on the right side of the offensive line.

Hunter Henry

Henry has established himself as the top scoring threat on the roster over the last couple of months, keep an eye on him tomorrow, especially in the red area.

Jakob Johnson

The German freight train’s performances have gone under the radar for many, but he really stood out to me on Sunday. He’s been a key part in getting the ball moving on the ground, he’s really making the position his own and will be important again tomorrow.

Matt Judon

Mr Sleeves is going for the Patriots’ single-season sack record, and I think he’ll get it with time to spare. I’m feeling a couple more for him tomorrow night whilst trying to force Matt Ryan into making silly mistakes and turning the ball over.

Soaring Falcons

Who for the Falcons could cause problems for the Patriots? Well, I only really thing there can be two.

Kyle Pitts

The rookie tight end is an absolute PHENOM, I got to see him live at one of the London games last month and he is ridiculous. His catch radius because of his tall, lanky physique gives him a big advantage over corners. With no Calvin Ridley, Pitts has been towing the Falcons offense on his back, the Patriots need to plan for him.

Cordarrelle Patterson

The former Patriot has enjoyed a rejuvinated career in Atlanta, becoming one of their most dynamic weapons on an offense which has struggled this year. Patterson has been battling an ankle injury this week and is officially questionable to play, but if he does, he’ll be heavily involved.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

Patriots Defense

For the third-straight week I’m picking the Patriots D as your fantasty PPR start! This unit has really become something over the last month, currently averaging 9.30 points per game and is ranked #2 in the PPR league defensive charts.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 24 – Falcons 10

I haven’t said this yet, but the Patriots have the superior team and in greater form than Atlanta, I think they’ll head into an extended break with another win. Patriots 24 Falcons 10

@clazzyclare – Patriots 30 – Falcons 10

With the cream of the crop of Atlanta possibly depleted and the Patriots playing so well against the Browns this feels like a should be win. Patriots 30 Falcons 10

The Patriots improved their away record to 4-0 for the season last week with another impressive win over the Panthers. This week, they’re looking for their second home win against a Cleveland Browns team who are dealing with a bunch of adversity. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

J.J. Taylor

With both Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson questionable to play tomorrow, we could see the lead-back role handed to J.J. Taylor. We haven’t seen him since week 7, where he scored two touchdowns against the Jets. I’m dubious about it Tayor is a lead-back style of player, but I’d love to find out. If Harris and/or Stevenson are active, I think they’ll lead the rushes, but Taylor is worth watching tomorrow the way things are going.

Matt Judon

With Baker Mayfield playing through multiple injuries, I think one of his priorities will not be taking hits where possible, so enter Matthew Judon. If Judon can break through and cause pressure on Mayfield, I think it could force some throws into danger areas for turnovers. Even if he doesn’t record many hits or sacks, Judon’s presence alone should be enough to cause issues.

Christian Barmore

The big defensive tackle continues to show what a great pick he was from this year’s draft, against a good rushing outfit, he’ll be key once again tomorrow.

J.C. Jackson

Mr INTs form over recent weeks has been unreal, he carries on from a double-pick game against Sam Darnold last week. The Browns will be without their franchise backs, so expect Mayfield to look more downfield, mainly for Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jarvis Landry, who the latter I think will be covered by Jackson.

Cleveland Danger

Who for the Browns could cause problems for the Patriots?

Myles Garrett

What needs to be said about Garrett? He’s one of the two best defensive ends in the league, also being part of an absolute nightmare tandem with his partner Jadeveon Clowney on the opposite edge. Mac has taken some massive hits so far this year, and Garrett is a big threat if he isn’t dealt with by the offensive line.

D’Ernest Johnson

With no Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt, Johnson gets another opportunity to shine for the Browns. His first real chance came in Week 7 against Denver where he rushed for 146 yards and scored his first career touchdown. Whilst he’s not at the level of Chubb or Hunt, he can certainly run.

Jarvis Landry

With OBJ out of the picture in Cleveland, Landry will lead the wideout group as the veteran and number 1 option. Landry has battled through his share of injuries but is a player who still will garner plenty of respect and can do plenty of damage.

Following a massive win on the west coast last Sunday, the Patriots head to Carolina looking to improve to 5-4 on the season. They’ll also come up against their former star cornerback, Stephon Gilmore. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

Jones was quite lacklustre against the Chargers, but, the key thing was that he didn’t commit any mistakes and did what he needed to help the team secure the win. He’s one to watch every game this season, I would love to see him have a big day tomorrow and lead the team to it’s third straight win.

Matthew Judon

Judon turned up last week and disrupted Herbet a bunch, and the Pats will need him to be active again this week. Regardless of who’s at QB tomorrow for the Panthers, I think Judon is the key to disrupting their offense, watch out for him tomorrow.

J.C. Jackson

After missing a couple of practice days this week with an illness, J.C. Jackson returned Friday and was off the injury report entirely, so he plays tomorrow. I think he’ll be wanting to put on a good show with his former teammate on the opposite sideline, as he’s now the number one corner for New England. I feel J.C. is due an interception tomorrow.

Nick Folk

Folk has been so important for the Pats so far this year, and with an offense that can struggle in the redzone, I have a feeling he’ll be needed on field goal duty a few times again this week. All eyes on him.

Gunner Olszewski

The field position Gunner gave the offense from return duty last week was HUGE! I think that performance will drive him into some good form and we could see more of it against the Panthers, which may be pivotal against a good defense.

Panthers Roar

Who for the Panthers could cause problems for the Patriots?

The Patriots head on the road this Sunday searching for their first win since Week 2 as they take on the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

One’s To Watch

Offensive Line

David Andrews will be the only starter playing on Sunday as the Patriots offensive line woes continue. This group will be one to watch, they’ll be without Trent Brown, Shaq Mason to begin with. Then, if things couldn’t get any worse, both Mike Onwenu and Isaiah Wynn are on the COVID list. It’ll be a chance to try and discover a new dynamic of protection for Mac Jones, but I’m not holding my breath. It could be another long day for QB1.

Mac Jones

Mac had an inspiring performance last Sunday when TB12 returned home, but now he needs to push on and lead the team to victory against a poor Houston team. The offense had better success against the Bucs, but they still needed a few trick plays to keep things moving, I’d like to see a few lengthy drives by Mac, keep getting the TE’s involved, and even Bourne and Agholor who are yet to fully break out.

Damien Harris

The Pats run game has fallen to a near non-existent state in recent weeks, with Rhamondre Stevenson and J.J. Taylor battling it out for who can spend the longest amount of time in the doghouse for fumbles, Damien Harris needs to get this going again. But please, no more Brandon Bolden draws.

J.C. Jackson

With Stephon Gilmore out the door, J.C. Jackson is officially the franchise cornerback for the Patriots, and I’d expect him to continue his good performances so far this season against the Texans. I’d be disappointed if the Pats secondary doesn’t come away with any picks from Davis Mills who really hasn’t shown anything special.

Jamie Collins

The Boogeymen are back?! Yep, that’s right, Jamie Collins reunites with Hightower and Van Noy in the linebacker group to try and provide some extra juice to the Pats defense. I’m not overly hyped by this move, I do wonder where Bill is going in terms of young player development/veteran signings, but, I’m interested to see how he gets on in his first game back with the team.

Houston, We Have A Problem

Who from the Texans (if any) could cause the Patriots issues.

Brandin Cooks

Former Patriots speedster has been the only real bright spot for the Texans this year, can cause a problem for any defense with his raw speed on the outside. The Patriots will need to disrupt Mills to avoid any problems with Cooks.

David Johnson

Johnson has tapered off over the last few years, but he’s still a good player in my opinion, through running or catching he has the ability to move the chains and find the end zone. A potential pressure valve for the Houston offense if they’re struggling.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

Jakobi Meyers

Same as last week, Meyers is a good option to start in your flex position, he scored 16.80 last week with 8 receptions for 67 yards. He’s not likely to find the endzone, but, he will get a bunch of targets against Houston, especially if they cover deep, Meyers can get open over the middle with short passes.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 27 – 6 Texans

The Pats will overwhelm a stricken Houston team without their franchise QB, the defense gets a score and Mac Jones continues to progress with the offense. Pats 27 Texans 6

@clazzyclare – Patriots 27 – Texans 12

The depleted offensive line continues to make me nervous and my gut tells me this won’t be as easy a game as it looks on the surface. But the Patriots fought well last week so I think they’ll win this road game. Pats 27 Texans 12