Patriots vs. Cardinals: 6 bold predictions for Week 1

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Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones (24) runs with the all after making an interception during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Special teams will boost Patriots to victory.

In a night in which the ground game produces more touchdowns than the aerial attack, the Patriots will need to find points in creative ways. Look no further than 2016 second round pick Cyrus Jones, who will make his mark on the NFL immediately by taking a punt all the way back for a score in the first half. Jones will break loose a few more times for substantial punt return yardage, displaying his jaw-dropping quickness and nimble feet.

Why Alan Branch will be important in Week 1

Additionally, the Patriots’ special teams will come up big by simply minimizing mistakes. It was an extremely competitive preseason in New England, and all of the bubble players who squeaked onto the final roster have proven special teams ability, and it will show in Week 1.

So what is the final score going to be?

For the Patriots, a pair of Blount touchdowns, a Rob Gronkowski spike and a Jones punt return will be enough to overcome Mathieu’s pick six and David Johnson’s touchdown run.

FINAL SCORE: Patriots 31, Cardinals 20

Next: These 8 players will help Jimmy G win

Go Pats.

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6 bold predictions for Patriots vs. Cardinals

By Connor Fulton | Sep 8, 2016