BEDARD'S QUICKIE THOUGHTS
We'll come back with our way-too-early prediction tomorrow.
Preseason
- I would assume joint practices with the Giants and the Panthers β at least the Panthers. Maybe Joe Judge carries a Joe Grudge against Big Blue.
- Maybe not on the Giants ... because a league source tells me the Raiders and Patriots will hold joint practices.
Regular season
- The opener at Miami has its good and bad points. Love facing a new coach with a lot of new parts (Tyreek Hill, Terron Amstead, Chase Edmonds, Cedrick Wilson) very early in the season. They are usually better later in the season.
- Of course, it's going to be hot during that game. There's no camp situation that can prepare you to play in that heat. Expect the Patriots to go with some heavy rotations with the big boys. Might make the final 53-man roster more complicated.
- New QB situation with the Steelers, so that's a plus. It would be really nice and, really, it should be expected the Patriots start 2-0. Can't afford a slow start this year. Not in Year 2 for many players. Because then come games against the Ravens (home opener at 1 p.m. ... wow, no prime-time?) and at Green Bay.
- Not sure the Patriots can survive a 1-3 start this year. Have to be 2-2.
- Layup home against the Lions, then tough one at the Browns. That's Week 6. Will Deshaun Watson be off a presumed suspension by then? I might wager that he gets a six-game suspension. What a coincidence that would be.
- Bears Monday night at home should be a layup in the Mac Jones vs. Justin Fields Bowl, and on the road at the Jets. Both are must-wins.
- Colts come to down on Nov. 6 with BC alum Matt Ryan. Big game right before the bye.
- Come out of the bye with the Jets. Should be a gift at home, and then short week to play at Vikings on Thanksgiving night.
- Then the gauntlet starts. Patriots want as many wins as possible at this point.
- Home Bills on Thursday night again ... they get full rest.
- At Arizona ... I like facing the Cardinals in December. They are usually an injury mess at this point, especially Kyler Murray. Might be a Colt McCoy or Trace McSorley game.
- Patriots have short rest the next two games, at Vegas in the McDaniels Bowl on Sunday Night Football, and then Saturday home against the Bengals. I would expect the Patriots to practice in Phoenix for the week before the Raiders game.
- This is a stretch of four-straight night games. As long it's consistent, I don't see an issue with that. Back and forth from 1 to 8 p.m. would be more of a problem.
- Home against the Dolphins on New Year's day, and then close at Buffalo.
- Bills, at Cardinals, at Raiders, Bengals, Dolphins, at Bills is a brutal close.