NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2013 Odds:
(For the latest Odds, connect to Sportsbook.ag)
Odds to Win AFC East: 19/50
Odds to Win AFC Championship: 5/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVIII: 12/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 10.5

2013 Preview:
Offense:
New England is consistently middle-of-the-pack in run/pass ratio, and that should hold this year. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ running game is a power scheme heavy on man blocking, and No. 1 back Stevan Ridley is a nice fit. However, Ridley’s fumble-itis is an issue. Shane Vereen will get a lot of reps and is a better weapon in the passing game. The additions of Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins and re-signing of Julian Edelman, three solid blocking receivers, suggest they might test the perimeter more often. They also find work for a third back, either LeGarrette Blount or Brandon Bolden.

The Patriots’ passing game has become more and more spread. TE Rob Gronkowski remains the focal point of the passing game, but he could miss the start of the season due to his forearm injury. Gronkowski plays in-line and is often called upon to protect. Danny Amendola steps into the Wes Welker role and figures to lead the team in targets as long as he remains healthy. He’ll likely slide outside when they play three wide. Rookie Aaron Dobson has a chance to see a lot of snaps on the outside. Jones, Jenkins and Edelman are better blockers than pass-catchers. The Pats had more goal-to-go snaps than any NFL team last year, and skewed run-heavy with them. They’ll often go tight and throw at the goal line, mostly to Gronkowski, but will also use Amendola on little outs.

Defense:
The Patriots finished tied for ninth in scoring defense in 2012, and led the NFL with 32 forced and 21 recovered fumbles, thanks to a stellar corps of linebackers anchored by LBs Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower. A healthy DE Chandler Jones has Pro Bowl potential, and DT Vince Wilfork is still a monster. The secondary hasn’t been good for a long time, but the addition of S Adrian Wilson and the healthy return of CB Aqib Talib will certainly help.

Key Offseason Moves:
ADDITIONS
QB Tim Tebow (Jets)
RB LeGarrette Blount (Buccaneers)
RB/KR Leon Washington (Seahawks)
WR Danny Amendola (Rams)
WR Michael Jenkins (Vikings)
WR LaVelle Hawkins (Titans)
OT Will Svitek (Falcons)
G Tyronne Green (Chargers)
DT Tommy Kelly (Raiders)
S Adrian Wilson (Cardinals)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Mike Kafka (Jaguars)
RB Danny Woodhead (Chargers)
RB Jeff Demps (Buccaneers)
FB Spencer Larsen (released)
TE Aaron Hernandez (released)
WR Wes Welker (Broncos)
WR Brandon Lloyd (released)
WR Donte’ Stallworth (Redskins)
G Donald Thomas (Colts)
G Brian Waters (released)
DT Kyle Love (Jaguars)
DT Brandon Deaderick (Jaguars)
SS Patrick Chung (Eagles)

2013 Schedule (All times ET):
2013 Schedule Strength: 20.38 (18th toughest in NFL)
9/8 at Buffalo, 1:00
9/12 NY JETS, 8:25
9/22 TAMPA BAY, 1:00
9/29 at Atlanta, 8:30
10/6 at Cincinnati, 1:00
10/13 NEW ORLEANS, 4:25
10/20 at NY Jets, 1:00
10/27 MIAMI, 1:00
11/3 PITTSBURGH, 4:25
Bye Week 10
11/18 at Carolina, 8:40
11/24 DENVER, 8:30 (time subject to change)
12/1 at Houston, 4:25
12/8 CLEVELAND, 1:00
12/15 at Miami, 1:00
12/22 at Baltimore, 8:30 (time subject to change)
12/29 BUFFALO, 1:00

StatFox Take: Much has been made about the Patriots' lack of receiving options, but this will still be a high-octane offense as long as QB Tom Brady is healthy. New England has won at least 10 games for each of the past 10 seasons, averaging 12.6 wins per year during this amazing stretch. The Pats will have to face four 2012 playoff teams on the road (Falcons, Bengals, Texans and Ravens), but they also play in what is arguably the worst division in football, with all three AFC East opponents predicted to have losing records this season. With nearly even odds, expect New England to run away with its division again, and finish with at least 11 victories.
Prediction: OVER 10.5 wins (-115)

All NFL Previews

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Monday, August 5
Cincinnati Bengals - Tuesday, August 6
Cleveland Browns - Wednesday, August 7
Pittsburgh Steelers - Thursday, August 8

AFC South
Houston Texans - Friday, August 9
Indianapolis Colts - Saturday, August 10
Jacksonville Jaguars - Sunday, August 11
Tennessee Titans - Monday, August 12

AFC West
Denver Broncos - Tuesday, August 13
Kansas City Chiefs - Wednesday, August 14
Oakland Raiders - Thursday, August 15
San Diego Chargers - Friday, August 16

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys - Saturday, August 17
New York Giants - Sunday, August 18
Philadelphia Eagles - Monday, August 19
Washington Redskins - Tuesday, August 20

NFC North
Chicago Bears - Wednesday, August 21
Detroit Lions - Thursday, August 22
Green Bay Packers - Friday, August 23
Minnesota Vikings - Saturday, August 24

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - Sunday, August 25
Carolina Panthers - Monday, August 26
New Orleans Saints - Tuesday, August 27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Wednesday, August 28

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals - Thursday, August 29
San Francisco 49ers - Friday, August 30
Seattle Seahawks - Saturday, August 31
St. Louis Rams - Sunday, September 1