Betting Against the Patriots: Why Under 5.5 Wins is a Solid Pick
The Patriots' offense remains in shambles this preseason, continuing from last season's woes. They lost their recent outing to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday following a fourth-quarter meltdown.
With uncertainty about who will be the starting quarterback in Week 1, to compound matters, rookie WR JaQuae Jackson was carted off during the preseason game against the Eagles.
The team's chances of making the playoffs year season are slim to none, with Vegas projecting their record at 4-13-0, according to thelines.com. Wagering on the team to finish the season under 5.5 wins seems like a safe bet for an easy payday.
This prediction suggests they will finish last in the AFC East, marking the second consecutive time they will finish last in the division. Such notions were considered unthinkable less than four years ago.
From Dynasty to Dismay: What’s Behind the Patriots’ Decline?
The Patriots had one of their worst seasons last year, and no signs of hope are on the horizon.
The team has made several bad personnel decisions recently. Following Tom Brady's exit in the 2019-2020 season, they seem to have lost the edge that made them the NFL's most successful football team since 2001.
Subsequently, the Patriots, who seemed to be rebuilding during the offseason, saw the most successful coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick, part ways with the team. Rookie coach Jerod Mayo replaced him.
New England also traded quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars after a disappointing 2-9 start last season before he was benched.
During the 2024 NFL Draft, the team selected Drake Maye with the third overall pick. Maye, who was highly rated coming into the draft, won the 2022 ACC FPlayer of the Year award after leading the NCAA in total yards and setting single-season school records in passing yards and touchdowns.
They also made some decent picks at the wide receiver and offensive tackle positions. However, recent decisions by the team have sabotaged those good choices.
It was reported that Pro Bowler Matthew Judon was traded to the Atlanta Falcons after contract talks stalled, raising further questions about the Patriots' ceiling for the new season.
Trading a top player, who accounted for 32 individual sacks and 24 assisted sacks in 38 games over the course of three years, only adds to the Pats' uncertainty.