.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
New England Patriots 2016 preview: Did you hear Tom Brady is suspended four games?
Tom Brady won’t be starting 16 games this season — the first time that will have happened since 2008. Why? You probably know the reason, but just in case: Deflategate. Brady will be serving his four-game suspension to start the year, giving way to Jimmy Garoppolo as the starter. Fortunately for the young quarterback, he’ll have some weapons at his disposal thanks to the additions of Martellus Bennett and Chris Hogan this offseason. He and Brady will also have added protection up front after New England shipped Chandler Jones to Arizona for former first-round guard Jonathan Cooper. The Patriots look like relatively the same team that reached the AFC Championship a season ago, only with a healthy cast on offense and a defense that’s loaded in the secondary. The biggest question surrounding the 2016 Patriots is whether or not Brady’s suspension will cost them an eighth straight division title in the AFC East.
3
2
1
The stud linebacker can do it all, from rushing the passer to covering tight ends to stopping the run. He’s a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and if he can stay healthy, the Patriots defense will be one of the best in the NFL. Collins has superstar potential.
Butler's play in Super Bowl XLIX won’t soon be forgotten, but he’s more than a one-pick wonder. The 2015 Pro Bowler is the best cornerback in New England and will cement his place as a top corner with another swagger-filled campaign in 2016. He's a key player on that defense.
He’s not the biggest back in the league, but White is a game-changer in the passing game. He’s a scat back that can make just about every defender miss in the open field, much like the injured Dion Lewis can. With Lewis suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, White will need to step up.
The Bears’ second-best receiver in 2014, Martellus Bennett caught 90 passes on 129 targets for 916 yards with six touchdowns. He’s one of only 15 tight ends to finish a season with 90-or-more receptions and 900-or-more receiving yards since 2000. Despite his best efforts, Rob Gronkowski has endured heavier coverage in recent years, and this opens the door for Bennett. Heck, Scott Chandler scored four touchdowns for the Patriots a season ago in a similar role. Plus, the recent news that Lewis will miss the next 8-10 weeks due to a second knee surgery only strengthens Bennett’s niche within the offense.
(All lines courtesy of Bovada.com, as of 8/31)
Season win total over/under: 10.5 (over -150, under +120)
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 6.5/1. New England is the second favorite to win the title in 2016, which is all the reason you need to look elsewhere. While this gambler's fallacy doesn't rule out the Patriots winning, it's true that no preseason favorite has won the Super Bowl in the past 10 years.
One thing we wish we could bet on: The number of TDs Tom Brady throws in his first game back. The poor, poor Cleveland Browns are the team that has to take on the Patriots in Brady's return to action in 2016. We're setting the over/under on Brady TDs at 3.5 and gladly taking the over. Heck, he might end up breaking the single-game record for TDs thrown (seven) if Bill Belichick feels like unleashing Brady's anger.
September 11, at Arizona
Week 1 in prime time against the loaded Arizona Cardinals … without Tom Brady?! This game should be circled on every NFL fan’s calendar — Patriots fan or not. Garoppolo will have his hands full.
October 23, at Pittsburgh
The Steelers' Le’Veon Bell will be back from suspension for this one, as will Brady. The result? A high-scoring shootout that will probably feature 80-plus total points. This one will have serious AFC title implications.
November 13, vs. Seattle
The Seahawks will travel across the country to visit the Patriots with both teams likely leading their respective divisions at this point. It’s no surprise this game will be in prime time, as it could be a Super Bowl preview. The Patriots will have an edge coming off a bye and playing at home.
We say: 10-6, Divisional Round playoff loss
WhatIfSports simulation says: 10-6, Divisional Round playoff loss
— Cam DaSilva, Andrew Lynch (betting), Ryan Fowler (fantasy)
