Based on what we’ve seen to this point on the calendar — two weeks of training-camp practices and two preseason games, not to mention all the spring workouts and what has happened with each of these players in the past — here are 20 over/under scenarios involving the Patriots and the 2018 regular season. (Per usual, we’ll have some fun with these predictions when the playoffs roll around.) Take a look at what we came up with, and feel free to offer your opinion in the comments below.
After an eventful offseason, Gronkowski is poised for a big year. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Bethesda Softworks)
1. Rob Gronkowski: 80 catches —
Julian Edelman
Our take:
Over
2. Julian Edelman
60.5 catches —
Our take:
Just over.
3. James White: 65 catches —
Tony Collins
Our take:
Over. He won’t break Collins’ record, but he’ll come close.
4. Phillip Dorsett: 40 catches —
Our take:
Just under.
5. Rex Burkhead: 550 rushing yards —
Sony Michel
Our take:
Under. It all depends on whether or not Burkhead stays healthy, but even so, he’ll probably have some of that work taken by some of the other backs.
Michel faces an uncertain start to the 2018 regular season. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
6. Sony Michel: 500 rushing yards —
Our take:
Under
7. Tom Brady: 40.5 touchdown passes, 8.5 interceptions —
Our take:
Both under.
8. Stephon Gilmore: 2.5 interceptions —
Our take:
Under
Trey Flowers is a leader for a young group of defensive linemen. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
9. Trey Flowers: 9.5 sacks —
Deatrich Wise
Our take:
Over
10. Adrian Clayborn: 7.5 sacks —
Andre Carter
Ted Washington
Chris Long
Albert Haynesworth
Our take:
Over
11. Points per game scored: 28.5 —
Our take:
Under
12. Points per game allowed: 18.5 —
Our take:
Just barely under.
13. Turnover ratio: Plus 8.5 —
Our take:
Under
14. Special teams touchdowns: 1.5 —
Cordarrelle Patterson
special
Our take:
Over
15. Dont’a Hightower: 13.5 games played —
Our take:
Just under.
Stephen Gostkowski is back for another season. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
16. Stephen Gostkowski: 90 percent on field goal attempts —
might be another matter
Our take:
Over
17. Total undrafted free agents who make the opening day roster: 1.5 —
J.C. Jackson
Ralph Webb
Our take:
Under. But the streak barely survives.
18. Regular-season snaps for Brady’s backups: 20.5 —
Brian Hoyer
Jimmy Garoppolo
Our take:
Over. (Of course, this all with the understanding Brady will stay healthy.)
19. Penalties: 95 —
Our take:
Over
20. Regular-season wins: 11.5 —
Our take:
Over
