New England Patriots: NFL Nation predicts a Patriots win

NFL Nation reporters recently made their predictions for the games in Week 4. What was the result for the New England Patriots?

In Week 4, the New England Patriots will be hosting the Carolina Panthers. With both teams being 2-1, this has the makings of a good matchup on paper.

Despite the records, both teams have had some major flaws so far this season. For the Patriots, their defense has really struggled. They have allowed almost 100 points in three games, and they easily could have a 2-1 record heading into this game.

For the Panthers, their struggles have come on the offensive side of the ball. Cam Newton has looked poor so far this season, and that is not good for the Panthers’ offense. Last week looked like it was going to be the week for Newton to turn things around. In a golden matchup against the Saints, Newton struggled with three interceptions.

Recently, NFL Nation made their prediction for the game. Here’s what they had to say.

"For a Patriots team that has allowed 95 points through three games — its highest total in its first three games since 1994 — Carolina might be the right foe to get back on track. The Panthers have scored just 45 points in three games this season, and Cam Newton isn’t running like he used to, which coach Ron Rivera called his “new reality.” Patriots 33, Panthers 17 — Mike Reiss"

Seeing the Patriots predicted as the winners shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, but the two touchdown win is. Last week, the Patriots were big favorites against the Texans, but it took a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to get the win.

For the Patriots, the good news is that they are certainly healthier heading into Week 4 than they were going into Week 3. With most of their players practicing this week, we might see the Patriots close to as healthy as they were in Week 1.

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This game is shaping up to be the classic “something’s got to give”. Either the Patriots defense will finally be able to put together a good game, or the Panthers’ offense will be able to find some of their success from a few years ago.

According to Reiss’ prediction, it looks like he believes that the Patriots will cruise to an easy win on Sunday.