New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots can extend their three-game winning streak when playing the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. A favorable schedule gives them a chance to stockpile victories this fall.
ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Patriots a 66.0 percent probability to defeat Tennessee on the road in Week 7. Going even further, the forecasting model likes New England to keep rolling.
The Patriots have a 72.4 percent chance to beat the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 and a 54.3 percent win probability over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. ESPN doesn’t project a Patriots loss until they go on the road to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 9.
After that, New England is favored in two games against the Cincinnati Bengals (58.7%) and New York Giants (59.3%). If the Patriots win every game with a favorable win probability, they’d boast a 10-3 record entering a pivotal Week 15 rematch against the Buffalo Bills.
ESPN currently likes the Bills to avenge their Week 5 loss, and the 1-5 Baltimore Ravens maintain a 59.0 percent win probability over New England the following week. But the Patriots are favored to close the regular season with AFC East triumphs over the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.
That explains why ESPN’s Football Power Index gives New England a 75.9 percent chance to make the playoffs, a projection exceeded by just six teams. Mike Vrabel’s team has the easiest remaining strength of schedule.
Of course, the Patriots still must take care of business when a vulnerable opponent arises. They can spoil Mike McCoy’s first game as interim head coach when playing the 1-5 Titans this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
