New England Patriots 21.5 PPG 15th, Sacks 36 27th

Oh how the mighty have fallen, as the dynasty of the century endured another losing season. 2023 was Bill Billichick’s last as Head Coach of the New England Patriots, the longest tenured coach was shown the door. 

Rightfully so as their defense could not generate any pressure and was one of the worst pass defenses in the league. The points per game they allowed was 21.5, which was in the middle. Their offense could not generate any help, as Bill Billichick could not find success without Tom Brady.

Will the Patriots look different this year, with a new head coach? It will be tough sledding for the rookie coach.

2024 Prediction: 27th

Jerod Mayo has been promoted to Head Coach of the Pats. An apple straight off the Billichick tree, Mayo was a Patriots linebacker and assistant coach prior to accepting the role as Head Coach. Unfortunately it is not the best situation for a coach to land in. 

A journeyman quarterback that has displayed trouble leading a team to a winning season… but capable of winning games. Jacoby Brissett did win a Super Bowl with the Patriots and knows what it takes to get there.

However the Patriots have zero pass rush again this season, and no true stand out on the defensive side of the ball. They have one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL, and a quarterback battle in training camp. None of those help propel a team to a winning season, and the Patriots could experience their worst season of the century.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

LB – Ja’Whuan Bentley

DB – Jabrill Peppers

LB – Jahlani Tavai

Do ‘ja’ know about Patriots IDPs? The Patriots have a few serviceable IDPs, even in standard leagues. They should each see several snaps with a poor offense unable to sustain drives, but Ja’Whuan Bentley is a stat stuffing linebacker regardless of snap count. 

Bentley has 100 or more tackles in each of the last three seasons, and a combined 8.5 sacks during that time as well. He is in the middle of the defense and will see several tackles again this season. 

Bentley saw a career high in sacks last year and should he improve on 4.5 sacks he will have another high scoring season. He is worth a roster spot in almost all formats, but let him fall to you as opposed to reaching for him.

Jabrill Peppers has been on the IDP radar for a few years, He has not topped his 2020 season with the New York Giants, but did have his best season as a Patriot in 2023. He started 15 games and earned 78 tackles during that span. 

Peppers recorded 8 passes defended and 2 interceptions last season, a career best in interceptions and his most passes defended since 2020. Peppers is the starting free safety again this year, and he could top his career high of tackles of 91. 

Peppers is not necessarily a person that should be drafted unless in deep leagues, or leagues with much higher points to safeties. However if it is your last pick and you do not have a defensive back he is a worthy option.

Jahiani Tavai busted on the scene last year after a slow start to his NFL career. He earned 110 tackles to pair with 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. He played so well, the Patriots rewarded him with a three year contract extension.

He will be an important part of the defense going forward, and is being slept on in IDP leagues. Some are calling it a breakout season, but he broke out last year. He should deliver over 110 tackles and hopefully make some big plays in pass coverage. 

Tavai is much better than any of the Patriots defensive linemen, and he is absolutely worth a draft spot. Even more so in leagues which require multiple IDPs.

Tomorrow the Tennessee Titans.

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.