The New England Patriots have probably been the quietest team in their division this offseason…but that doesn\u2019t mean they are not still the favourites to win the AFC East. <\/p>\n
\nNew England Patriots<\/strong>
\n2011 Record: \u00a015-4 (including playoffs)
\n2011 ATS Record: \u00a010-8-1 (including playoffs)
\n2012 Futures:
\nSuper Bowl: \u00a0+600
\nConference: \u00a0+300
\nDivision: \u00a0-500
\nWin Total: 12<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nPats Preview<\/h3>\n
Sure there is documented proof of a Super Bowl hangover, even for losers, but you probably don\u2019t want to bet too heavily against Tom Brady and Co.<\/p>\n
On offense it should be business as usual for the Pats with Brady leading away. \u00a0<\/p>\n
There is potential for turmoil in terms of Wes Welker\u2019s contract situation not really being resolved to his satisfaction but he has really become a secondary option with the emergence of the best tight end duo in the NFL in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. \u00a0<\/p>\n
They have made changes at RB elevating Stevan Ridley to feature role but like in years past the running game will likely be an afterthought.<\/p>\n
Last year the Pats were in the middle of the pack defensively giving up 21ppg. \u00a0 [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n
The coach is still perceived as a defensive genius but we haven\u2019t seen much of that over the last few seasons. \u00a0<\/p>\n
I like their moves to get younger and faster at key positions but until this team develops a high level of defensive intensity they can be a hard team to back ATS as they often coast after getting big leads. \u00a0<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t remember the last time their defense won them a game.<\/p>\n
To me the Patriots are often one of the more overvalued teams out there. \u00a0The spreads can get pretty large when their offense is cooking but they often make you sweat in games where an easy cover seemed probable at the half. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Coming into 2012 their overall expectations are modest but not Super high. \u00a0Still another appearance in the big game wouldn\u2019t shock.<\/p>\n