Patriots Schedule 2023: Game-by-game predictions for upcoming season
Week 8: @ Miami Dolphins
The season opener against Miami last season was as memorable as it was forgettable.
Neither team established a run game nor looked fully prepared for their opponent throughout the day. But the Patriots turnovers made the real difference, leading to a first-possession interception and a fumble-returned touchdown in the first half.
Assuming that won't be their kiss of death this season, playing the Dolphins in Miami has always been challenging for the Patriots over the years. And unfortunately, despite the overall improvements, it's safer to believe they will lose this game, just as they have done so many times in the past.
Week 9: vs Washington Commanders
It seems like the Commanders have been a team in flux for a long time now, as they enter the 2023 season with continued question marks regarding their quarterback.
The Patriots haven't played Washington since the 2019 season, but it goes back to 2015 since they matched up in Foxboro. That certainly plays into New England's favor, if they can get back to holding home team advantage when playing at Gillette again.
Because there still hasn't been any determination about who will be leading the offense for the Commanders as of yet, and the options they do have don't pose much threat to the Patriots defensively other than possibly Jacoby Brissett due to his familiarity with New England, it seems safe to say the Patriots will get the win here.