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With the postseason roster changes at the Gillette Stadium, everyone has one question on their minds. Can the New England Patriots maintain their stranglehold on the AFC East without Tom Brady? While the loss of one player is not such a big thing, the Pats have to deal with other key components of their team jumping ship too.

The team has lost Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and Ted Karras to Miami Dolphins. Furthermore, kicker Stephen Gostowski is a free agent. Also, the defensive trio of Jamie Collins, Danny Shelton, and Duron Harmon have moved to Detroit Lions. 

As a result of this, as well as the side’s draft and free agency moves, they have been given a surprising spot in the latest Power Rankings. 

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New England Patriots get a lowly ranking in NFL Power Rankings

NBC’ Peter King is not big on the New England Patriots for the 2020 NFL season. The sportswriter placed the reigning eleven-time AFC East Champions 21st in his latest power rankings. 

He surmises the lowly position with stats about the Pats win % with and without the 6x Super Bowl MVP. Belichick’s teams are 219-64 with Brady starts, and 54-63 when he doesn’t. 

The NBC sports writer further addresses the massive question on everyone’s minds. Can sophomore Jarrett Stidham fill Tom Brady’s huge shoes at quarterback? 

“The reviews on the 133rd pick in the 2019 draft, Jarrett Stidham, are good, but the shadow of the 199th pick in 2000 will always be a long one for anyone who plays quarterback in New England. There is no book on Stidham, a tough kid who will not be afraid of the hot seat. But his goal is to keep New England in games and leave the Patriots with a decision to make on a quarterback in the 2021 draft.” 

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King points out that 4 Pats games from week 8 onwards will be in prime time and says, “Whatever happens, America will be watching.”

The predictions regarding the New England Patriots are consistent in this regard. Earlier, analysts opined Buffalo Bills to be the favorites to dethrone the Foxborough based side in the division. 

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King writes, “I think this season breaks the Patriots’ 11-year stranglehold on the AFC East, but I’m pretty sure everyone in that building wants to rub our faces in such predictions, and that’s a great motivator.”

Will the New England Patriots silence pre-season predictions? Or are these predictions prophecies of a bleak season?