Despite everything that went wrong, from a terrible training camp to a 1-3 start to a bizarre quarterback controversy, the Patriots went 5-4 in their first nine games. All in all, it was a solid first half for New England.
But Bill Belichick’s team needs to be better in the second half if they want to make the playoffs. While a lot can happen by the end of the season, the Patriots will likely need to win at least nine games to qualify for the postseason.
Reaching that number won’t be easy as the Patriots face a brutal second-half schedule. And the difficult table begins this Sunday afternoon with a crucial rematch against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
Now that the second half is upon us, we tried to predict the wins and losses for the Patriots’ last eight games. When the dust settled, New England finished the season 9-8.
Week 11: vs. New York Jets
We don’t expect Zach Wilson to do as roughly in this game as he did in Week 8, when the second quarterback threw three picks while playing like a loose cannon. But we also expect Mac Jones and the Patriots’ offense to improve with center David Andrews back in the group and Jones and the receivers having two weeks to iron out some of their many problems. These teams are even, but New England is just a little bit better. Also, the Jets will probably find a way to do Jets stuff.
Forecast: TO WIN
Week 12: with the Minnesota Vikings
It’s not hard to imagine the Patriots winning this game. The Vikings are good, as was evident in their savage win over the Bills in Week 10, but they are not without some key flaws. Also, quarterback Kirk Cousins has a long history of struggling in primetime situations, and this game is being played on Thanksgiving night. Even so, Minnesota will prove too explosive on offense, and New England will not match on the scoreboard.
Forecast: LOSS
Week 13: vs. Buffalo Bills
Are the Bills more vulnerable than many initially thought? Yes. Is Josh Allen’s health a valid concern? Also yes. Are the Patriots better suited to limit Buffalo’s passing attack in the secondary? Maybe. Will any of this be enough to help New England cause a stir on Thursday Night Football? nope
Forecast: LOSS