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ESPN has low hopes for the Patriots in 2024

The Patriots are ranked at the bottom of the NFL

By Jason Berry

Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots mascot Pat Patriot pumps up the crowd prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots mascot Pat Patriot pumps up the crowd prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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ESPN recently released their early 2024 NFL football power index ratings for the 2024 season, and based on their projections, the Patriots' immediate future is not looking good. They rank near the bottom of the league with the Carolina Panthers.

On top of that, ESPN also revealed their way too early 2025 NFL draft predictions, and just like the low expectations for the upcoming season, they have the Patriots playing so poorly that they will hold the number one overall pick.

There is still a month and a half until training camp, but it's easy to believe their way too early predictions.

ESPN's low hopes for the Patriots is reminiscent of the fans and local media

At the start of the offseason, Patriots fans were full of anticipation, optimism, and skepticism. There was anticipation to see what they would do with the number three draft pick, optimism that this is the year they turn things around, and skepticism about whether or not they would make the decisions.

As we sit here in early June, we still have the same questions about the offense. The left tackle position is still in question, and there is still a need for speed at the offensive skill positions. Javon Baker and Ja'lynn Polk may turn out to be solid picks, but with their lack of speed, will they transform the offense? Maybe this is the season Tyquan Thornton finally breaks out and uses his speed. Or not.

We know this rebuild will take some time, especially with the number of needs they had last season and still have on offense. When you look at the Super Bowl contenders in the league, they all have playmakers and players that can stretch the field.

With the projected win total at 4.5, the experts' bar of success is low this season.

Based on their current roster, it's easy to see why ESPN doesn't see them climbing out of the basement. Training camp will show us where the team is improving and where they still have work to do. 

One thing they have in their favor is a solid defense. If they're going to prove the doubters wrong, they'll need to rely on the defensive unit while they figure out the offensive issues.

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