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New England Patriots: Predicting the 2017 Regular Season Record

By Logan Jakubajtys

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), wide receiver Julian Edelman (11), fullback James Develin (46), and outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) wait to take the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), wide receiver Julian Edelman (11), fullback James Develin (46), and outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) wait to take the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) attempts to score a touchdown during the first half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

1st Quarter (4-0)

Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 7th vs Kansas City Chiefs at 8:30 PM on NBC (W)

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 17th @ New Orleans Saints at 1 PM on CBS (W)

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 24th vs Houston Texans at 1 PM on CBS (W)

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 1st vs Carolina Panthers at 1 PM on FOX (W)

The 2017 offseason may come to be known as the year of the running back in New England. The team signed free agent Rex Burkhead, extended James White’s contract, and have extended an offer sheet to Bills back Mike Gillislee. They may also target a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft, someone like James Conner or D’Onta Foreman. Oh, and the Patriots still have Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden as well.

In the first game of the season, I think New England will aim to showcase their new powers in the backfield. There’s no telling what the backfield rotation will be with all of those players, but each has there own unique skill set. Tom Brady and the offense should grab an early lead, allowing the defense to step up, play aggressive, and shut down the Chiefs. Kansas City no longer seems as tough without Jamaal Charles. Their tight end Travis Kelce wants to be Rob Gronkowski, but he just isn’t. He’s talented no doubt, but as the best weapon on the Chiefs offense Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia will shut him down.

Then, I’d expect the new look running game to take over, control the clock, and secure an Opening Night win for the Patriots.

In Week 2, Brandin Cooks will return to New Orleans to put on a show. Perhaps Malcolm Butler will be lined up opposite of him if he’s traded at this year’s draft.

Tom Brady should look to show the Saints what they are missing with Cooks. Expect him to have a huge game in Week 2.

The Texans are tough in Week 3, but who’s their QB? If the answer is Tom Savage or a newly drafted rookie, this is a clear win for the Patriots. The Houston offense simply won’t be able to keep up with New England.

Newly acquired pass rusher Kony Ealy will look to take down his former QB, Cam Newton, in Week 3. His former head coach Ron Rivera thinks the Patriots are getting a player who has still yet to reach his full potential.

"“They’re getting a guy that I think that hasn’t quite really, truly tapped his potential,” Rivera said at the NFL Annual Meeting this past weekend, via the Boston Herald.  “He’s showed it, he flashed it in the Super Bowl.  Again, if they can get him back to that point, I think they can get a very explosive pass rusher.”"

Chalk up another W in the win column for the New England Patriots who get off to a qucik 4-0 start.

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