The Good

Coming out of Oklahoma, running back Rhamondre Stevenson was pegged as merely an in between the tackles type of back. It didn’t take long to realize Stevenson is not just a bruiser, he has the speed to bounce outside and take it to the house. Not only that he has also shown great hands during his 2-year career. This was on full display last season when you caught a one-handed touchdown from Mac Jones. In all Stevenson had 69 receptions last year which shows he can be an all-purpose back.

To further bolster their backfield the Patriots decided to bring in veteran Ezekiel Elliott this offseason. Elliott is still only 28 years old and I like the 1-2 punch he can offer along with Stevenson. There is no debate that Stevenson is the lead back but Elliott will play a vital role in making sure Stevenson is not overworked. Keeping Stevenson fresh is important on this offense that has limited weapons.

The Bad

Instead of moving up in the 2023 NFL Draft to potentially draft a quarterback the Patriots decided to trade down. They did receive a 4th round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in return but I don’t think it was the right move. At this point in his career, we have a good idea of what Mac Jones is. He can be a serviceable NFL quarterback but he is not a game-changer or someone defenses fear. Jones will likely be out after this year and New England will be once again shopping for a QB.

The Prediction

How much longer will Bill Belichick stick around with the Patriots? I fear this will be another challenging season for New England which will lead to more retirement speculation next offseason.

2023 Record: 7-10 (4th in the Division)

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Buffalo Bills: Is This The Year They Go All The Way?

The Buffalo Bills have been one of the most consistent teams in the past few years and are always a contender with Josh Allen leading the way at QB. They were able to avoid any fires by being able to resign Shaq Lawson and Jordan Poyer to keep their defense intact. The running game has been added with the signings of Latavius Murray and Damien Harris. They added an extra weapon in Dalton Kincaid in the draft. This is what I call a successful offseason. The problem that always arises in the season is the missing running game which makes Josh Allen double the work but also increases the chance of injuries. Now, Josh Allen is built like a bull and is often the biggest guy on the field. All the hits will add up and Buffalo is one bad play away from disaster. If the running game looks decent, they have a good chance of moving past Cincinnati and Kansas City and hopefully playing for the Lombardi trophy.

Miami Dolphins: Is Tua Tagovailoa The Answer At Quarterback?

The Miami Dolphins have a lot of shiny weapons. They have upgraded with big names such as Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and now, Jalen Ramsey. Add in the leadership of HC Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins look like a perennial contender. The biggest question is at quarterback, however. Tua’s health and durability have been a concern ever since he was drafted coming out of college. Last season, the concerns got even worse as Tua suffered multiple concussions and people were scared for his safety. With all the weapons and a limited window, the Dolphins have to be guessing Tua’s future at QB as he is also maybe in the lower end of QB talent in the AFC. A disappointing season where they don’t make the playoffs could be a disaster for Tua’s future in Miami.

New England Patriots: What’s With All The Mac Jones Drama?

Mac Jones’ career has been a rollercoaster and we’ve only been in year two. He helped lead the Patriots in his first season to the playoffs and many looked at him as a young Tom Brady. The season after, they hired Matt Patricia to be the offensive play call guy. This move had some people guessing as Patricia is a defense guy and it showed. Mac Jones looked worse in year two and the Patriots didn’t make the playoffs. This offseason has been a little more mysterious as the Patriots brought in Will Levis and signs have shown that Mac wasn’t happy with what was happening. New England is known to be a very quiet and deliberate franchise. Now, they are in unfamiliar waters as they don’t seem to be the top dog they once were.

New York Jets: What Is A Successful Season For Aaron Rodgers?

The New York Jets made the biggest move in the offseason when they traded for QB Aaron Rodgers in a blockbuster deal. It looks like Zach Wilson‘s time is done as the starter for the Jets and a more mature face will be in charge of the Jets. One of the main differences between the AFC and the NFC is the star power at QB and the depth of the teams. In terms of QBs, he has to face the likes of Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones twice per year. He’ll also face the AFC West which involves Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, and Jimmy Garoppolo. There will not be a lot of easy wins to come by so they have to be on their A-game each week. Other than the star power at QB, the AFC is a much deeper conference in terms of talent. The Jets were 7-10 and last place in the division last season. They would be battling for a playoff spot if they were in the NFC South. Now, I don’t project them to win the AFC East as Buffalo is still the top team in the division. It’s also his first year with the Jets so some hiccups are expected. If the Jets get a wild card spot and look good in the playoffs, I think the season can be called a success.

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PRESEASON EXPECTATIONS

Rhamondre Stevenson was slated as the Patriots’ RB 2 behind Damien Harris. New England does multiple RB packages so they are fresh. He had a decent rookie season where he ran for 606 yards and five TDs. It was hopeful that he would have better stats as he did have 22.70 FP in Week 17 in 2021.

DRAFT EXPECTATIONS

Rhamondre had an ADP of 110.1. With this ADP, he was the 37th RB taken in fantasy football. He would be taken around the 9th round which would be reserved for the bench. That would be a good value for someone who had a good rookie season.

OVERALL SEASON PRODUCTION

Congratulations to owners if you drafted Rhamondre Stevenson as he took over the starting job with Damien Harris getting injured. He blew everyone’s expectations after a season that put him as the 7th-best RB in all of football and 30th overall player. Through 17 games he ran for 1040 yards and five TDs. He caught an impressive 69 passes for 421 yards and a TD. Another great season is expected for Rhamondre.

CRITICAL MOMENTS DURING THE SEASON

Week 3 vs Baltimore Ravens

The Rhamondre Stevenson breakout season began in Week 3 against the Ravens. He rushed 12 times for 73 yards and a one-yard TD in the final quarter to make it a smaller lead for the Ravens. He also caught four passes for 28 yards. The combo of Stevenson and Harris was working at this point.

Week 6 vs Cleveland Browns

Week 6 was the first game where Damien Harris wasn’t available so Rhamondre had the keys to the offense. He ran through the Browns with 19 rushes for 76 yards and two TDs. He rushed for a 31-yard TD late in the 2nd quarter and a six-yard TD late in the 4th quarter to seal the deal. It looked like Rhamondre owned the backfield and Damien Harris owners would have to find alternatives. He had a season-high 25.10 FP.

Week 15 vs Las Vegas Raiders

The Patriots vs. Raiders game was one of the most memorable games of the season. What is forgotten is Rhamondre’s season-high rushing performance. Stevenson ran for 172 yards and a 34-yard TD that put the Pats up 24017 with four minutes left in the game. What will only be remembered is the Jakobi Meyers pass to Chandler Jones and the stiff arm to Mac Jones for the game-winning TD.

The post 2022-2023 Fantasy Football Review: Rhamondre Stevenson appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The New England Patriots aren’t pulling their foot off the pedal in the brutal AFC East. The cyborg head coach, Bill Belichick, has talent on his roster (such as QB Mac Jones, WR DeVante Parker, TE Hunter Henry, OLB Matthew Judon, and FS Devin McCourty) & he also has assistant coaches: Matt Patricia and Joe Judge back at this lab. With that said, I’m going to take a fun angle and untwine 10 bold predictions for the Patriots in 2022.

• Mac Jones throws 30+ passing touchdowns

Mac Jones is no longer a rookie in the league and he clearly has a stronger taste of the NFL speed in his second season. Furthermore, Jones has new ammunition in his sophomore season – such as the new WR1 DeVante Parker. The former Phins wideout is still a year under 30 and I believe his ability shown in 2019 (1,202 yds and 9 touchdowns) isn’t too far behind him.

• Hunter Henry makes the Pro Bowl

The former Los Angeles Chargers TE ousted a personal-best 9 TDs last season. I expect him to blossom in year two with the Pats – especially from a wiser QB1. I believe Henry can make his first Pro Bowl in 2022.

• Josh Uche records double-digit sacks

BB shipped away the former Michigan Wolverine Chase Winovich and the new OLB starter is none other than Winovich’s former teammate at Michigan, Josh Uche. The young edge rusher has shined this off-season and I believe he is due for his best season in 2022 – which could absolutely be a double-digit sack campaign.

• Devin McCourty makes the Pro Bowl

The Pats safety Devin McCourty is like fine wine – as he continues to shine in his old age (and he recently turned 35). He ousted three ints last season and PFF also gave him a potent 76.0 grade. I believe the three-time Pro Bowler will leave everything on the line in potentially his last season and garner a PB berth.

• Matthew Judon is second-team All-Pro (at least)

Matthew Judon proved to be a monster pick-up by the Pats GM – as he recorded a personal-best 12.5 sacks in 2021. I believe he slightly improves – which will result in second-team AP honors (at least).

• Christian Barmore is a Pro Bowler

The Pats x-factor on defense is Christian Barmore in my opinion. The Patriots 2021 second-round pick has freakish physical gifts and he also got his feet wet in year one. In year two – I foresee Barmore being unstoppable in the run game and improving in the passing game – which could lead to him obtaining Pro Bowl honors.

• Ty Montgomery has 5+ TDs

The Pats inked the RB/WR Ty Montgomery in free agency – who has been with the Packers and Saints in his NFL journey. I believe he will be utilized best in New England & Mac Jones will stay efficient by hooking up with him in the red zone. I trust that he can unveil 5+ TDs in 2022.

• Belichick smiles a few times

I know Belichick is an old-school philosopher & a bit of a hard-ass. However, he has tended to be more laid back in his older years. With that said, I believe he will be happy & even smile a few times in his 22nd season with NE. Yes, you read that correctly.

• Nick Folk converts 40+ field goals for the Patriots

The Pats really leaned on their kicker Nick Folk to be a star in 2021 – as he had a career-high 39 attempts (and which he converted a personal-best 36 FGs). I believe he will be called on more than last season and he will shine by converting a whopping 40 FGs.

• Damien Harris runs for 1,200+ yards

The 2019 third-round pick Damien Harris registered an impressive 15 rushing TDs and 929 rushing yds last season. I believe the future will only be brighter for the physical RB that is entering a contract year — hence, I believe he will up his single-season rushing yard tally to 1,200+ yards.

The post 10 bold predictions for the New England Patriots in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The New England Patriots are striving to return to the playoffs with second-year quarterback Mac Jones. They don’t carry a juggernaut defense, but they still have a talented, young QB and of course: the best NFL mind of all time in Bill Belichick. With that said, I’m going to project the highs, lows, and overall record for the Pats in 2022.

Week 1: at the Dolphins

The new-look Dolphins are noticeably more exciting with their WR duo and well-rounded defense than a Patriots team that has had fluky losses to the Dolphins in my opinion. I believe the Phins win 28-17.

Week 2: at the Steelers

I firmly believe Mitchell Trubisky will have a personal best season in 2022, but I expect I do expect the Pats to outmuscle the Steelers in this contest. I believe the Joe Haden-less CB group will allow Mac Jones to throw three touchdowns – as I foresee NE winning 28-21.

Week 3: at the Ravens

It will be hard for Mac Jones to move the pig skin against the Ravens ultra-elite pass defense. Meanwhile, I expect Lamar Jackson, who mowed down the Pats defense as a rook, to march his team to a 28-21 victory.

Week 4: at the Packers

It’s clear the Pats have a difficult schedule from Week 1 to Week 4. I expect A-Rod to have a big game against the Pats – as I believe GB wins 35-28.

Week 5: vs the Lions

The Lions may take positive steps in 2022, but they won’t beat NE and BB. I expect the Pats to win 35-21, as the Jones-Parker connection should thrive.

Week 6: at the Browns

The Browns will probably not have Deshaun Watson in this contest. With that said, I believe the Pats win a close game by a score of 28-24.

Week 7: vs the Bears

I do believe the Bears have a Top-5 pick in the 2023 draft. I fully expect the young Justin Fields to struggle against the Belichick defense and I believe the Pats win 28-14.

Week 8: at the Jets

The NYJ may not have Robert Saleh or Zach Wilson in my opinion. I didn’t love Saleh without a healthy Nick Bosa in 2020 and he clearly didn’t shine last season. I believe NE wins 35-17 in this divisional fight.

Week 9: vs the Colts

I believe the Colts could honestly have the number one seed in the AFC next season. I also feel they pick up a pivotal win against Indy by a score of 35-21.

Week 11: vs the Jets

The Jets shouldn’t beat the Pats in their second face-off – as I project Mac Jones to throw four touchdowns and NE to win 28-14.

Week 12: at the Vikings

I feel like the Vikings will lift off with Kevin O’Connell and a healthy Danielle Hunter. I believe the Vikings win this game by a score of 24-17.

Week 13: vs the Bills

The Buffalo Bills are my Super Bowl favorite and they should flex their guns in this AFC East battle. I believe the Bills, who acquired Von Miller this off-season, will win 38-24.

Week 14: at the Cardinals

I imagine the Pats hurt the Cardinals secondary, but I like the Cardinals with DeAndre Hopkins un-suspended a bit more than the Pats. I believe AZ wins 28-24.

Week 15: at the Raiders

I foresee the Davante Adams-led Raiders having a pivotal victory against a fellow playoff-aimed AFC team by a score of 31-17.

Week 16: vs the Bengals

The Pats could really struggle in this game from my perspective. I believe Joe Burrow and his elite WR duo has a monster 42-21 victory.

Week 17: vs the Dolphins

I trust in Mike McDaniel and his team to really grow in the 2022 season and keep their foot on the pedal at this point. I believe the Phins win 35-21 in this pivotal AFC East game.

Week 18: at the Bills

I expect the Bills to play their starters and compete for the first seed in their final week. I believe the Bills win 35-21.

Final record: 6-11

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By: Jake Rajala

The cheerful Mac Jones had an admirable rookie season – as he unveiled 3,801 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and led his team to a 10-7 record (including a pivotal playoff berth). The former Alabama product has a larger chip on his shoulder in his sophomore season. It would be hard for Jones to not carry an infinite amount of motivation, as his team was blown out of the wild-card round by his despised divisional foe in the Josh Allen-led Buffalo Bills.

The Pats made a very underrated re-signing in WR Jakobi Meyers. The deep-threat WR garnered 126 targets and 866 yards last season. It will be a serious challenge for defenses to prepare for the speed of Meyers while stopping the Jones-Devante Parker connection. The former Dolphin wanted to be traded to Belichick’s squad and he will really strive to return to unveil outcomes similar to his 2019 season (1,202 yards and 12 touchdowns).

DeVante Parker is arguably the Pats best “WR” since the days of Wes Welker in 2012.

The Pats didn’t only gift Parker in Jones’s second season in the system, but they also brought back the versatile RB James White (who suffered a season-ending injury after three games) on a two-year contract. The Super Bowl LI hero nicely notched 751 receiving yds in 2018, 645 receiving yds in 2019, and 375 receiving yards in 2020. He can absolutely be a secret weapon for Jones out of the backfield.

The 23-year-old Jones will not only tear down a poster of Josh Allen each morning and practice with his most explosive offense thus far, but he will also prepare to face favorable competition in 2022. Bill Belichick and Jones ought to be licking their chops, as they have the 25th most difficult schedule. Tom Brady and a half of Gronk may be in Tampa Bay, but the tides appear to be really turning for Jones and his crew in 2022.

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By: Jake Rajala

The New England Patriots are one of the most mysterious NFL teams entering the 2022 season. They have a cyborg in Bill Belichick, an ascending QB in Mac Jones, but they haven’t made numerous dynamite off-season additions. The Patriots could easily be a Super Bowl contender if Jones noticeably improves. Meanwhile, it’s also possible that the new-look Dolphins and Josh Allen-led Bills finish ahead of the Pats in the AFC East next season. I believe the sleep-deprived Belichick could still add more fire-power and help the Patriots become a dark-horse Super Bowl contender in the early stages of Jones’s career.

Anthony Barr

I believe Anthony Barr is the biggest free-agent diamond in the rough at this point in time. Barr is still a very good football player, as he recorded three interceptions, 72 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 6 QB hits last season. The Pats controversially traded away the young stud in Chase Winvoch to the Browns, but they could potentially find his superb replacement in Barr.

Odell Beckham Jr.

The Pats can definitely strike the jackpot with the signing of OBJ. He doesn’t only have a lot of talent for a team in the back-end of next season and beyond 2022, but he almost signed with the Pats in 2021. Belichick should really work his magic and help his team have more juice in the explosive AFC playoff gauntlet by bringing in the Super Bowl LVI champion.

Dont’a Hightower

The Pats could help their LB position by bringing an old friend back in Dont’a Hightower. The 2019 Pro Bowler might not be an elite LB, but he can be a 2022 starter and great leader. After the Pats brought back Devin McCourty, it would be patriotic for the Pats to ink Hightower.

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By: Andy Davies

“Something beautiful is on the horizon.”

The AFC East is set to be another exciting one in what has been an eventful offseason. 

Tyreek Hill is now in the division, Stefon Diggs has a new contract, the Patriots have been quiet in the offseason and the Jets aim to try and gain some positivity ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Just how do their quarterbacks rank? Here is a ranking list of all four starting quarterbacks in the division.

1. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Allen is arguably a top-three quarterback so there is no way he does not end up the number on this list. Buffalo is arguably the AFC favorites for the 2022 season, especially with Hill leaving the Chiefs. Buffalo may face their biggest challenge to winning the division once again, but Allen is head and shoulders above the rest. 

Allen threw for 4,544 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2020 and 4,407 yards, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2021. 

Only Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Matthew Stafford have thrown for more yards than Josh Allen since the start of the 2020 season. In addition, Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Mahomes are the only quarterbacks to have thrown for more passing touchdowns than Allen during that span. 

A cannon arm, a great ability to use his feet at the right time, and tremendous leadership. There are not many players you’d rather have in this league than Allen.

2. Mac Jones (New England Patriots)

3. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)

This one was tough to call as both players are very similar in their playstyle and stats.

Jones had 3,801, 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 67.6% completion rate in 2021 during his rookie campaign, which consisted of 17 games as New England finished 10-7. Meanwhile, Tua has played only six more games than Jones and has 4,467 career yards, 27 career touchdowns and 15 career interceptions as well as a 66.2% completion rate and a 13-8 record as a starter. 

That gives Jones an average of 223.6 yards and 1.29 touchdowns a game. Meanwhile, Tua has an average of 194.2 yards and 1.17 touchdowns a game. These are very similar numbers, which makes the decision between them that much harder.

People often refer to Tua’s win-loss record as a starter. Well, Jones made the playoffs as a rookie and Tua has yet to make the playoffs or play an entire season in either of his first two years in the league, which is why Jones gets the edge over Tagovailoa. 

There are no real questions around Mac, who is seen as the best quarterback so far out of the 2021 class whereas Tua faces question marks daily and continues to live in the shadow of fellow 2020 draftees Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. Mike McDaniel could be the key to unlocking Tua’s potential but right now, Jones is the better QB, but it is very close and very susceptible to change now the Cheetah is in South Beach.

4. Zach Wilson (New York Jets)

There is no doubt about this one. Wilson was picked second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and has yet to convince anyone. The Jets literally traded for Joe Flacco to return to the Big Apple.

His relationship with Braxton Berrios and the protection from Mekhi Becton will give Jets fans offseason hope but Wilson’s performances did not provide any source of encouragement in 2021. In the 13 games he played, he ranked 30^th in passing yards (2,334), 29^th in touchdowns (9) and 30^th in quarterback rating (28.2). He also had 11 interceptions to add to a woeful first season as a pro.

Wilson showed signs in BYU that he can be a good quarterback, but the way his first season went, he has a lot to prove in his second season.

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The New England Patriots have officially brought Malcolm Butler out of retirement, according to Yahoo Sports. It appears that Emperor Belichick’s plan is coming together as he expected. Matt Patricia returned the last offseason and now his former Super Bowl hero corner has returned to the Belichick kingdom.

I don’t expect the Pats to reel in overly shiny armor for Mac Jones moving forward, but I do expect them to make a few more underrated moves. The Patriots CB Jonathan Jones is recruiting Stephon Gilmore, but I don’t foresee him returning on a cap-friendly contract. It would make a ton of sense if the Bengals, 49ers, or Raiders ink Gilmore.

If the Pats are fixed on adding another free agent CB and they aren’t able to reunite with Gilmore, it may be wise to ink Janoris Jenkins. Jackrabbit isn’t “washed up” and he was a quality contributor on the AFC one seed in Tennessee last season. He hauled in three interceptions in the past two seasons combined and he also has 18 combined pass deflections in the past two years.

There has been speculation that the Patriots should target a WR soon and it would make sense if that’s their next move. The former Bills star Cole Beasley would be a very interesting fit in the Patriots. He has 82 receptions in each of the past two seasons and he would be a nice security blanket for Mac Jones from the slot. Danny Amendola and Mohammaed Sanu have experience with the Pats and they could be good value pickups, as well.

It would be ideal if the Pats add veteran talent at CB and WR before the NFL Draft. Expect Belichick to keep his foot on the pedal in the AFC East division that just introduced to Tyreek Hill.

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The New England Patriots were led by the brave rookie Mac Jones in 2021. Jones didn’t go gentle into the good night, as he unleashed 3,801 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and 13 interceptions last season. His performance helped him bake the Pro Bowl and Bill Belichick become more relaxed towards him. Well, at least one of the points mentioned above is true.

Jones was a pleasant QB last season, but he has a lot of work to do if he wants to become the next special QB in New England. The Pats will surely look at the wide receiver free agents in 2022 to lure in a shiny weapon for the young Mac Jones. Here are a few faces that would make a ton of sense.

Odell Beckham Jr.

The Patriots were very close to inking the former NYG WR Odell Beckham Jr. in 2021. I expect OBJ to be more interested in joining the Pats for two reasons. He witnessed the growth of Mac Jones throughout the 2021 season and I also imagine his chances of returning to the Rams took a major hit after his injury.

The cap-strapped Rams will likely bring back Von Miller and spend their resources on profiles outside of Beckham Jr. Belichick is also no stranger to signing big-name and slightly dramatic wideouts (Randy Moss, Antonio Brown, Josh Gordan).

T.Y. Hilton

The New England Patriots should revamp their WR position with a couple of new faces. It’s worth noting that the Pats could cut ties with Nelson Agholor outside of letting Meyers leave, as well. With that said, I’d love to see Bill Belichick ink the speed-demon T.Y. Hilton. Jones could really benefit from the skillset that Hilton offers.

The long-time Colt ousted 10 touchdowns from 2020 and 2021 combined. If the Pats lose Jakobi Meyers, it would especially be nice for them to target Hilton.

Keelan Cole

Belichick should seek a diamond in the rough when free agency kicks off and he could find an underdog in Keelan Cole. The undrafted free agent had 642 yards and five touchdowns in 2020 with Gardner Minshew.

He only recorded 449 yards and one touchdown with the Jets last season, but those numbers might seem surprising given his place on the depth chart and the ability of the Jets young, starting QB.

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