The New England Patriots clinched their 11th consecutive AFC East division title last week after their impressive win over the Buffalo Bills. However, despite the Patriots current 11-3 record, they still have yet to lock up the number two seed in the AFC. In order to ensure a bye week, New England must beat the Miami Dolphins this Sunday or else they risk losing the number two seed to the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are some Patriots bold predictions for that game.
New England Patriots Bold Predictions for Week 17
Offensive Bold Predictions
N’Keal Harry
The rookie wideout has started to find success over the Patriots last couple of games. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, has finally started to creatively integrate N’Keal Harry within their system. While Harry has struggled to be a consistently polished route running receiver, the 6’4 – 225 pound mountain of muscle has flashed when the ball has been in his hands. New England has featured more screens, jet sweeps, and short flat routes to Harry in an effort to simply get him the football and elevate his confidence. I fully expect this trend to continue on Sunday and for Harry to have his first multiple touchdown game of his career.
Tom Brady
New England’s offensive struggles have been well documented over the past several games. However, last Saturday’s win over the Bills featured a vintage Patriots offense highlighted by Brady’s efficiency. The 42-year-old quarterback completed 79% of his passes, throwing for 271 yards and a touchdown while also earning a 111 passer rating. Furthermore, those vintage Brady numbers came against the league’s third ranked Bills defense. New England’s offense should be able to build upon last week’s performance and put up at least 30 points on Sunday along with Brady eclipsing 300 passing yards.
Defensive Bold Predictions
Stephon Gilmore
The veteran cornerback has consistently shutdown some of the league’s best receivers this season. Additionally, Gilmore is tied for the league lead in interceptions with six. The Pro-Bowler is performing with such dominance that opposing quarterbacks have been forced to entirely avoid throwing the ball his way. Gilmore is already many people’s vote for defensive player of the year, but I expect the corner to fully lock up that contest this Sunday with yet another interception returned for a touchdown.
J.C. Jackson
Jackson has been a key contributor to this Patriots defense, but has also been widely underrated for much of this season. Despite being tied for the fourth most interceptions in the NFL with five, Jackson has been overshadowed by other members of New England’s secondary. The second year undrafted free agent is coming off a solid performance against the Bills in which he broke up two Josh Allen passes along with racking up six solo tackles. I expect Jackson to show up again this Sunday with a performance featuring multiple interceptions.
Last Word
The Patriots cannot afford to overlook the Dolphins this Sunday as they desperately are in need of a bye week. Not only does New England need the bye week to rest their players, but also to gameplan for possible opponents. All three of the Patriots losses have come to the three other current AFC division winners or leaders and head coach, Bill Belichick, will need to create near perfect gameplans in order to have success.
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