In the 22nd of a 32-part series, we will feature all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Today we will look at the New England Patriots.
Key Off Season Acquisition
The Patriots made one significant acquisition in the offseason as they acquired wide receiver DeVante Parker in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. The native of Louisville, Kentucky was traded for a third round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In 2021, Parker had 40 catches for 515 yards and two touchdowns. In his career, Parker has spent seven seasons with the Dolphins and has 338 catches for 4727 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Fantasy Stars
There are four Patriots to consider in fantasy pools. At kicker, Nick Folk of Los Angeles, California successfully kicked 36 of 39 field goals along with 42 of 47 converts. Folk is second among kickers behind Daniel Carlson of the Las Vegas Raiders.
At defense, the Patriots are ranked third behind the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. The Patriots’ 303 points against was the second fewest points allowed in 2021. Only the Bills gave up fewer points (289).
At running back, Damien Harris is ranked eighth. Last year there native of Richmond, Kentucky had 202 rushes for 929 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021, along with 18 catches for 132 yards. Keep in mind that Harris is battling a hamstring injury in the preseason, and it is expected that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick might institute more of a time share this year as Rhamondre Stevenson is expected more playing time.
At tight end, Hunter Henry of Little Rock, Arkansas is ranked seventh. Last year he had 50 catches for 603 yards and nine touchdowns. This was Henry’s first season in New England after five seasons with the Chargers.
Predicted Finish
The Patriots are clearly the second best team in the AFC East. Quarterback Mac Jones now has one year under his belt and should be even better in his second NFL season. The Patriots foundation this year will be their defense. The Bills are stronger than New England, but the Patriots are a lot better than the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.
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