The Patriots opened their 2024 campaign with a glimmer of hope, securing a gritty 16-10 win on the road against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. However, that win now feels like a distant memory after a brutal stretch of three consecutive losses to the Seahawks, Jets, and 49ers.
It’s not just the losses but the nature of the schedule that makes things particularly grim. In fact, five of their first six opponents are projected playoff teams, and the Patriots face what has been deemed the hardest schedule in the league. On average, they’ll face quarterbacks ranked in the upper tiers, with games against Tier 1 signal-callers like Burrow and Josh Allen (twice). Add to that Tier 2 quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert, and Brock Purdy, and it becomes evident that every week is a challenge.
Their gauntlet of high-caliber opponents to start the season could very well doom their playoff chances before midseason. Opening on the road in three of their first four games, including trips to San Francisco and New York to face the Jets, was a harsh welcome for rookie head coach Jerod Mayo.
The Patriots are also scheduled for a late bye in Week 14, which means no relief until the season is almost over. It’s going to be a grind, and the Patriots could find themselves in a hole that’s nearly impossible to climb out of by the time their rest week arrives.
Drake Maye’s Development Amidst the Chaos
A major storyline for the Patriots this season revolves around rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Initially starting the year with Jacoby Brissett under center, the question looms over when, not if, Maye will take the reins. His development is arguably the most important aspect of the season.
The fact that Maye’s best throw of the preseason was a dropped deep pass speaks volumes about the state of the Patriots’ offense. While he displayed impressive accuracy, the lack of elite talent around him is a glaring concern. New England’s receiving corps lacks a true No. 1 threat, and the offensive line has been shaky at best. When tested in preseason drills, especially against the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line, the Patriots’ protection completely crumbled, putting Maye under constant pressure.
This offensive line, combined with a receiving group that struggles to separate, could seriously hinder Maye’s ability to develop. Even if the rookie flashes brilliance, his success will largely depend on how well the supporting cast performs.
With so many games against top-tier defenses, Maye might find himself more focused on survival than showcasing his full potential.
Midseason Opportunities, But Limited
The Patriots’ 2024 schedule breaks down into four distinct stretches. The first two, as noted, are particularly brutal, but the third stretch offers the most manageable grouping of opponents. Starting with road trips to Tennessee and Chicago and followed by home games against the Rams and Colts, this stretch may give the Patriots a chance to build some momentum. Avoiding a September trip to Miami’s sweltering heat is a minor win, but that trip to South Beach in November could still be crucial if the Patriots are holding onto faint playoff hopes.
However, even with this slightly more favorable middle part of the schedule, there’s little breathing room. Every game still presents significant challenges, especially for a team still trying to gel on both sides of the ball. The Rams may not be as formidable as in years past, but the Patriots’ offensive struggles could make even this a tough ask.
Additionally, a road game against Miami and a rematch with Indianapolis before the bye week close out this stretch. There’s no guarantee that the Patriots will capitalize on these games. However, betting fans who love betting on underdogs are still looking at the Patriots as an underdog option and fans who want to start wagering online can start by using the bet365 bonus code.
The Final Four Weeks: Facing Reality
After finally getting their bye in Week 14, the Patriots head into their last four games. These final matchups are a mixed bag, but the two games against Buffalo loom large. Facing Josh Allen twice in the span of three weeks, sandwiched between a trip to Los Angeles to face Justin Herbert, feels like a death knell for the Patriots’ playoff hopes. The lone winnable game might be against Arizona, but by the time they get there, the Patriots could already be too far behind in the playoff race to make it matter.
One crucial aspect to consider is whether New England will be playing for draft position by this point. With projections pegging them for just 4.9 wins, and their chances of making the playoffs sitting at a dismal 1.6%, it’s easy to imagine the team focusing more on 2025 than finishing the 2024 season strong.
Final Thoughts
The odds are heavily stacked against the Patriots making any serious playoff push in 2024. Their schedule is a gauntlet of elite quarterbacks, tough defenses, and brutal travel stretches. Their rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, is a beacon of hope, but the lack of talent around him and a porous offensive line make his development a tall order. The reality of a late bye week and constant road trips early in the season only adds to the difficulty of the task at hand.
Still, football is unpredictable. If Maye can exceed expectations and the defense, which has historically been the Patriots’ strength, can hold its own, maybe they can string together a few surprise victories. But for New England, 2024 feels less like a playoff race and more like a stepping stone toward rebuilding something greater.
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