Patriots: 3 way-too-early predictions based on NE’s 2021 schedule

The New England Patriots were unable to complete a 19-0 season in 2007, but it’s really no problem since they’re about to become the first team to ever complete a 20-0 season in 2021.

Now that we’ve got your attention, we’ve decided to comb through the details of Wednesday night’s schedule reveal and pick out a few bold predictions and key takeaways based on the data we have available.

This should be a bounce-back season on the national stage for Bill Belichick, the old dog who proved he was perfectly willing to learn new tricks over the course of the offseason, splurging in free agency like a hardened, northeastern Jerry Jones.

The plan at tight end is no longer “two mid-round picks, let’s see what happens”; Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry have joined the fray. Matt Judon should be a pass-rush infusion, and Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor should help stretch the field.

Oh, and there’s a succession plan at QB, too. Not sure if you noticed.

The offseason’s been minted and the Patriots’ opponents have been officially set in order.

Now, all that’s left is to play the games and get them off paper.

We’ve done our best using the available data to predict a few Pats statements this year, along with a potential pitfall and a nice surprise debut.

Please bookmark this article for early January, and either send me kudos or some cry-laughing emojis.

3 Bold Patriots Predictions for the 2021 NFL season, based on the schedule.

3. Patriots Establish Dominance Over Dolphins Week 1

Kyle Van Noy’s going to like this prediction.

You won’t find a better opportunity to prove your restocked roster is for real than a home date with the projected second-place finisher in your division Week 1. New England typically dominates the Miami Dolphins on our turf, a fact they laid bare in Week 1 last season, when Cam Newton looked like an exceptional game manager with the Pats defense behind him.

One year later, we don’t know that much more about either team’s man under center. Can Newton rebound after a full 365 days of acclimation, rehabilitation and recovery from COVID? Is Tua Tagovailoa really the type of franchise quarterback you can stake your future on?

The Patriots will be reloaded, motivated and one Van Noy richer than they were last year when they dominated this matchup with a lesser roster. Why wouldn’t New England come out on top early?

Patriots-Bills Week 1? That’d be a tough one. Preseason favorite against 20-year force. Buffalo would probably come out breathing fire.

Patriots-Dolphins Week 1? At Gillette? These two teams are at least comparable, and New England’s going to want it more.