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NFL writers have sliver of hope Patriots can repeat Week 1 success vs. Seahawks

By Sara Marshall

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Despite the long list of positive changes and upgrades the Patriots made during the 2024 offseason, most believe it wasn't enough to make them a contender or that much of a better team than they were last year. Even with a new head coach, quarterback, and offensive weapons, the consensus has been that New England won't win more than five games at most.

The first month of their schedule looked like they had little chance to stack any wins early on, especially beginning the year on the road against a tough Bengals team. It was reflected in every analyst's game picks in Week 1, with not a single one choosing the Patriots to walk out the victor.

Fortunately, Jerod Mayo's team defied the odds and started the season 1-0. They are now hoping to welcome the Seahawks to Gillette Stadium for the home opener to start the year 2-0 for the first time in two years.

While they proved they are capable of putting together a solid game plan, protecting the football, and creating more opportunities on defense and special teams, analysts are not yet on board to pick the Patriots as the winners of any games.

Once again, that is reflected in the majority of various outlets' picks for their matchup with Seattle this week, with some having a sliver of hope that New England can replicate its success from last Sunday on its home turf this weekend.

NFL analysts make their picks for the Patriots Week 2 game vs. the Seahawks

Boston Globe:

Of the six writers making their weekly picks, only Chad Finn and Nicole Yang chose the Patriots to leave Gillette Stadium with a win in Week 2.

CBS Sports:

The group of eight writers are split on who will win this matchup, with four choosing Seattle and the other four choosing New England.

USA Today:

Three of the four staffers choose the Seahawks to barely squeak out a win.

Zolak & Bertrand:

Marc Bertrand chose the Patriots to win a low-scoring game, while Tim McKone believes the Seahawks will "blow the doors off" the home team.

ESPN:

Seven of the nine writers choose the Seahawks to beat the Patriots to go 2-0.

NBC Sports:

Mike Florio and Chris Simms split the decision, with the longtime writer picking the Patriots to win 16-13 and the former quarterback choosing the Seahawks to win 19-17.

NFL.com:

All five writers choose the away team to marginally win.

More Patriots news and analysis:

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