During July, the Last Word on Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the league and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the New England Patriots easiest games are the focus.
New England Patriots Easiest Games in 2016
9. Week 2 vs Miami Dolphins
The New England Patriots won’t have Tom Brady due to his four game suspension but there is no major cause for concern when the Miami Dolphins come to Gillette Stadium in Week 2. Miami’s defense is great on paper with Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh, but last year they were weak. Their opponent’s first down rate of 37.1% was fifth highest in the league. Despite the Dolphins beefed up defensive line, they were 25th in sacks, averaging less than 2.0 a game. Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be under center in Brady’s stead, will have his first chance at a division foe, and may bask in the spotlight.
10. Week 17 at Miami Dolphins
Some may consider this game easier with Brady back and fully settled in for the second Pats-Fins game of the year. But the Patriots will likely be on the brink of another postseason run. This means resting players the final week of the season, and depending on the actual standings, the entire starting squad may sit. The Dolphins could see a bit of an advantage if that ends up being the case. Injuries could also be a major factor for both teams the final week of the season.
11. Week 13 vs Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams transition to Hollywood this off-season is unlikely to brighten their chances against New England. New England won 45-7 when the Patriots and Rams squared off at Wembley Stadium in London when they last played four seasons ago. A game in Foxboro will not bode any better for L.A. this time around. The game this season will arguably be Rams rookie quarterback Jared Goff’s biggest challenge. It’s hard to imagine the number one draft pick conquering the Patriots on their home turf. Newly acquired Patriots defensive end Chris Long will look to wreak havoc in the backfield against his former team.
12. Week 12 at New York Jets
No matter how close they get, the New York Jets always seem to fall at the hands of the Patriots at home or on the road. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has had some success against New England. With the Jets re-signing Fitzpatrick on Tuesday they will be a better team than if Geno Smith was under center. New England will be on the road, but the Patriots are the more talented team and everyone knows about Bill Belichick’s animosity towards Gang Green. He does not take these games lightly.
13. Week 6 vs Cincinnati Bengals
A still emotionally charged Tom Brady will be poised to roll over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6 when they come to New England. Their last matchup came two years ago in Week five, after the Patriots infamous 2-2 start. It was in that game that Brady and company lit up Cincinnati 43-17, sparking the journey to a Super Bowl victory. Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and the Bengals offense will look to have a breakout year, and it may indeed come. Just not in Gillette Stadium.
14. Week 16 vs New York Jets
These teams hate each other, and their matchups are always gritty. But on the Patriots home field, head coach Todd Bowles’ hard-nosed Jets can only get so far. The previous five games between the teams in Foxboro have been decided by seven or less points. In these games, the Patriots are 4-1, and the one loss was in 2011. Star Jets receiver Brandon Marshall arguably got the better of corner Malcolm Butler last year and the Pats missed their chance to lock up a number one seed last year in their Week 16 overtime loss at MetLife Stadium. If circumstances are similar, the stakes will be a lot higher.
15. Week 11 at San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers were one of the worst teams in the league last year, and have spiraled downward since their Super Bowl XLVII appearance. That season was the last time the Pats and Niners faced each other, with NFC champion San Francisco winning 41-34 in Foxboro. But times have changed, and the 49ers may miss the postseason once again. Midway through the season, the Patriots will be in full throttle. Whether it’s Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick under center, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will keep the offense guessing. A Tom Brady lead offense has never scored less than 21 points against the 49ers.
16. Week 5 at Cleveland Browns
There is little hope for the Cleveland Browns when Tom Brady makes his return Week five. New quarterback Robert Griffin III and head coach Hue Jackson have fans eager for their revamped offense. However only time will tell if they have what it takes to beat the Patriots. Receiver Josh Gordon, who was just reinstated by the NFL conditionally, tore up the Patriots defense to the tune of 151 yards in a narrow New England victory back in 2013. He will be fresh off a four game suspension when the teams meet. But Gordon’s impact alone won’t be enough to top the Pats . Look for the tight end combo of Martellus Bennett and Rob Gronkowski to expose the young Browns linebackers all game long.
Check out the New England Patriots Most Difficult Games in 2016.
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