New England Patriots NFL Prediction: 2021 Season Betting Odds and Preview

It was a spending spree in Foxoboro this offseason and it will be interesting to see how and if it pans out for the Patriots in what is, once again, a tough AFC East division. Entering the season, not too many NFL critics are expecting New England to compete with the likes of the Bills and Dolphins. Now, after bringing in 14+ players via free agency and drafting what the team hopes will be the future franchise piece at the Quarterback position, could the Pats be a surprise team to watch for in the 2021 season?

New England Patriots Acquisitions and Moves

Cam Newton was a last minute cut of the Patriots in training camp. Last year he finished last season with shaky passing numbers all-around in 15 games: 2,657 yards, eight TDs, 10 INTs, 7.22 yards per attempt, 82.9 passer rating. The team used its first-round pick to draft Alabama standout Mac Jones. After a strong training camp, the future is now in New England as he was named week one starter. Jones opened at +1100 at Sports Interaction to win the offensive player of the year award, it is now down to +395.

Whichever quarterback plays this season will be surrounded by a ton of new talent. Jonnu Smith (Tennessee) and Hunter Henry (Los Angeles) will provide a new one-two punch at the Tight End position. While, receivers Nelson Agholor (Las Vegas), Kendrick Bourne (San Francisco) will add to the depth of the position.

The team also brought in a number of veterans to strengthen positions of weaknesses. Center Ted Karras (UFA via Dolphins, Tackle Trent Brown (trade with Raiders), Linebacker Matthew Judon (UFA via Ravens) Linebacker Kyle Van Noy (UFA Dolphins) and Safety Jalen Mills (UFA via Eagles). New England is also bringing back Dont’a Hightower after a COVID-19 opt-out.

Defensive Tackle Adam Butler (UFA Dolphins) and Tackle Marcus Cannon (Traded to Texans) are the notable deletions.

New England Patriots 2021 NFL Schedule

The Patriots are coming off a 7-9 season in 2020. Schedule wise they have the sixth easiest schedule in 2021.

Although they may not say this publicly, the Patriots are probably disappointed that their bye week doesn’t happen until week 14, after three straight road games versus Falcons, Titans and Bills.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 12 vs. Miami Dolphins, 4:25 p.m.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 19 at New York Jets, 1 p.m.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 26 vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m.

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 p.m.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10 at Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17 vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24 vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m.

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31 at Los Angles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7 at Carolina Panthers, 8:20 p.m.

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 14 vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.

Week 11: Thursday, Nov. 18 at Atlanta Falcons, 8:20 p.m.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28 at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m.

Week 13: Monday, Dec. 6 at Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m.

Week 14: Bye week

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.

Week 16: Sunday Dec. 26 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m.

Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 9 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.

New England Patriots NFL Betting Odds

The Patriots are paying +110 to make the playoffs. Their 2021-win total is listed at 9.5 wins. The under is paying -129 and that’s the direction I would grade this team entering the 2021 season. They are +344 underdogs to win the AFC East Division if you’re looking for a medium-range longshot.

New England Patriots 2021 Season Prediction

The Pats could make life hard for the Dolphins and Bills, who are both clearly better than them. Could this division provide three teams in the post season? It is a possibility, but unlikely in my eyes. Are you looking to circle a long shot? How about the Pats at +1400 to win the AFC? Mark the Patriots down for a reasonable 9-8 season.