Overview

• FanDuel reports 76.1% of bets on New England’s win total are on the over and most bettors are picking a second-place AFC East finish.
• ESPN’s Mike Clay labeled the Patriots an AFC sleeper at No. 16, while ESPN Analytics placed them 23rd with an 8–9 projection and a 30.5% playoff chance.
• New England overhauled the roster with Stefon Diggs and rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson on offense, first-round LT Will Campbell plus veterans Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury, and defensive additions Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, Marcus Epps and Carlton Davis III.
• ESPN’s Mike Reiss flagged roster depth as the top concern, pointing to a shaky offensive line with two projected rookie starters and questions about keeping Maye upright.
• Analysts question Vrabel’s defensive track record and note early fit issues, with Milton Williams acknowledging an adjustment to the system and Keion White seeing a reduced role.
• }