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2023 opponents could result in Patriots playoff berth

By Jon Cirrinone

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches his players, including quarterback Mac Jones #10, warm up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches his players, including quarterback Mac Jones #10, warm up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Patriots Wins

Outside of the AFC East, the Patriots should add home wins against the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and New Orleans Saints. All three teams have significant question marks, especially at the quarterback position. On top of that, all three could also see coaching changes in the offseason.

On the road, the Patriots have winnable games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants (don’t believe the hype), Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers feature second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, who will still be experiencing growing pains. Bill Belichick loves to confuse young quarterbacks, and that seems like a perfect spot for an ugly, hard-nosed New England win.

In looking at the Raiders and Giants games, the first thing that comes to mind is familiarity. Bill Belichick knows Giants coach Brian Daboll and Raiders coach Josh McDaniels very well. NFL players “get up” for specific games; I refuse to believe that NFL coaches don’t also. These are two games that Bill Belichick will “get up” for. Considering this season’s painful Week 15 loss to the Raiders and the Patriots coming off a losing season, Coach Belichick will be eager to get back on the right track.

As for the Broncos, there are serious question marks with the state of the franchise. This much is sure; there will be a new head coach. Can they revive Russell Wilson’s career? This team is loaded with talent; given the coaching change, this is a team I’d love to get early in the year before they have a chance to get hot. As for Dallas, that team may look a little different next year, with difference-maker Tony Pollard potentially moving on. Unless Dak Prescott impresses in the playoffs, I think many fans wonder if he can continue to play at a high level for much longer. Prescott threw for a league-leading 15 interceptions in 2022 (in only 12 games), including 11 in his last seven games.

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