After another disappointing season under Bill Belichick, which led to his dismissal by Robert Kraft, the start of the Jerod Mayo era was far more optimistic than it eventually ended. Analysts and fans hoped that the change of head coach for the first time in over two decades would bring the kind of shift that the team needed and result in being a competitive team again, only for the Patriots not to be favored in a single game all season.
It wasn't hard to see why they were considered a losing team based on how they played throughout the year, with constant chaos behind the scenes and drama during games. They lived up to that expectation by winning just four games at the end of the year, resulting in Mayo's dismissal and Mike Vrabel's hire.
The team's changes since Vrabel arrived have been remarkable. From the players' attitude and excitement about playing despite the massive coaching changes to the positive discussion surrounding their potential in 2025, the Patriots look to be back on the right path.
That became even more apparent after the schedule was released earlier this week, as the Patriots' chances of winning are far better than they were just one year ago.
Patriots have oddsmakers fully buying in thanks to Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel
A day after the Patriots learned their schedule for this fall, reactions began to pour out about their chances of winning from their slate of games. They have already learned they have one of the easier strengths of schedules in the league, but there is an argument to be made that it doesn't appear entirely accurate.
Regardless, in the eyes of bettors, they are favored in 11 of their 17 games this year, which is a dramatic turnaround from last year when they were the underdog in all 18 weeks.
This is certainly a result of Vrabel's impact on the team, but it also shows just how impressive an offseason the new head coach and presumed general manager Eliot Wolf have put together.
A defensive-heavy free agency led to an offense-favored draft, allowing the Patriots to surround Drake Maye with the kind of talent that will help him thrive, while also having the fortune of adding vital pieces to the special teams. The new regime has addressed all aspects of the roster, which will inevitably make them a better all-around team, which is already reflected in their odds against opponents.
It adds another exciting element to an already highly anticipated season in New England. This just gives fans another thing to look forward to, and hopefully, the Vrabel era won't disappoint.