NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-13)
EXPECTATIONS: The Patriots begin a new era in 2024 after parting ways with former coach Bill Belichick after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles. Team owner Robert Kraft moved quickly, handing the job to former player and assistant Jerod Mayo. He begins the rebuilding process following a dismal 4-13 finish in 2023, the worst in Belichick’s tenure. But his disappointing final season did net the Patriots the third overall draft pick, the highest selection they have ever had since Kraft purchased the team in 1994. They used it on former North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. He’s shown flashes of his potential, though it may be midseason or longer before the rookie gets a chance to start. Experience is one of the factors Mayo cited in naming veteran QB Jacoby Brissett the starter to begin the season. Factoring in injuries to starters such as receiver Kendrick Bourne, tight end Hunter Henry and left guard Cole Strange will likely prevent New England from getting anywhere close to the postseason in Mayo’s first season.
NEW FACES: Head coach Jerod Mayo, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer QB Jacoby Brissett, QB Drake Maye, QB Joe Milton III, TE Austin Hooper, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, WR K.J. Osborn, OL Chukwuma Okorafor.
KEY LOSSES: ST Matt Slater (retired), LB Matt Judon, QB Mac Jones, LB Mack Wilson, DB Jalen Mills.
STRENGTHS: It starts with Mayo, who has brought a new energy and feel to the sideline, a much-needed change after Belichick led the Patriots to just one playoff appearance following Tom Brady’s final season with the team in 2019. He’s also surrounded himself with a coaching staff that has a mix of first-time NFL coordinators such as Covington and Springer, and veterans such as Van Pelt and senior offensive assistant Ben McAdoo.
WEAKNESSES: Brissett will be playing behind an offensive line that’s still very much figuring things out. The preseason featured lots of shuffling and different rotations as the coaching staff tried to figure out the right mix among a group led by veteran center David Andrews. He’ll play alongside lots of new faces, including right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: Receiver K.J. Osborn was solid throughout training camp after being signed in free agency. He’s filled a void left in the receiver group with Kendrick Bourne still unavailable since knee surgery late last season.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Polk may be just a rookie, but he exhibited an ability to produce big plays in college. Over his final three seasons at the University of Washington, Polk averaged 17.1 yards per catch. That makes him a sleeper late-round pick for building out any fantasy roster.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 300-1. Over/under wins: 4 1/2.
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