Patriots vs. Cardinals: 6 bold predictions for Week 1

6 bold predictions for Patriots vs. Cardinals

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) hand off the ball to New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) against the Chicago Bears in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jonathan Cooper will lock down.

The Patriots will look pretty smart on Sunday night when Cooper is out there starting at right guard and playing like the trench truck that he was drafted to be in 2013. While Cooper won’t make the highlight reel (offensive linemen rarely do), his solid play will be evidenced through LeGarrette Blount’s big night on the ground. Cooper, along with fellow guards Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney and Ted Karras, will snowplow for the backs all night long, making Jimmy Garoppolo’s job easier.

5 bold players stats predictions for 2016

Look, the Patriots are clearly sold on Cooper right now, or else they wouldn’t have traded (and then released) Josh Kline. As long as his health cooperates, Cooper is in good standing to put together his best season in the NFL, and it will start with an excellent performance against his former defensive line teammates in Week 1.

Next: 3. 2 INTs, pick-six for Mathieu

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