Pats Pulpit
Pat and Matt both try to predict the outcome for every Patriots game this season.
The NFL released its schedule last week. Given that it’s still mid-May, this of course means that it’s the perfect time to try to predict the outcome of every New England Patriots game this year.
Come along with us while we predict them side by side and see if you agree with one of us, both of us, or if you think we’re both crazy.
Pat: The Patriots open the season at home, and facing the Raiders early is going to benefit them. Las Vegas drafted Ashton Jeanty in the first round, and it usually takes a back at least a few weeks to get his feet under him. I think this gives the Patriots a slight advantage, and their defense should be able to slow down Jeanty and also control the Raiders’ receivers. It might not be the highest scoring game, but I see the home team starting out with a win. | Prediction: Win (1-0)
Matt: The Raiders are not a good football team, and I expect the Patriots to open 2025 with a victory. While the additions of Pete Carroll and Geno Smith at the two most important spots in the sport are upgrades for them, there just isn’t much else on this roster. Edge rusher Maxx Crosby will provide an early test for Will Campbell, but the Las Vegas defense behind him is a work in progress that Drake Maye should be able to beat when he has time. | Prediction: Win (1-0)
Pat: The Patriots have almost always struggled against the Dolphins in Miami, even when they were one of the best teams in the league and winning championships. There’s no reason to think that things will change this season. The Dolphins might not be headed anywhere either, but they still have a ton of talent and the home field advantage for them early in the season is a real thing. Unfortunately, I expect the Patriots to lose this game. | Prediction: Loss (1-1)
Matt: The Patriots have just two wins in their last ten trips to Miami. While the Dolphins appear to be a franchise in decline, they tend to play their best early in the season when the whole team is healthy. Mike McDaniel’s motion-heavy offense gave New England’s backfield fits last season, so this will be an early test for the new-look unit. I think the Dolphins take this one. | Prediction: Loss (1-1)
Pat: The Steelers have a talented defense, that is for sure, and they also acquired DK Metcalf this offseason, What they don’t have, however, is a quarterback. It looks like Aaron Rodgers will end up as their QB when all is said and done and if that is indeed the case, I think that the Steelers can be competitive, at least at the beginning of...
