The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

After making the playoffs in Mac Jones’ rookie season, the Patriots sputtered in 2022. Without Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, who left to coach the Raiders, the Patriots’ offense looked lost. A dearth of passing game weapons took a toll as well. The Patriots remained in the hunt into December, but an 8-9 finish doomed the team to miss the playoffs.

Off-Season Changes

The Patriots saw a few pieces depart, led by receiver Jakobi Myers who left to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. Fellow receiver Nelson Agholor left for the Ravens, while veteran running back Damien Harris signed with the rival Buffalo Bills. The team also saw veteran defensive back Devin McCourty retire.

Offense was clearly a focus for the Patriots this off-season. The team brought in Bill O’Brien to serve as Offensive Coordinator then set out to acquire some new weapons. That included veteran receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, who was with the Chiefs in 2022. During his season in Kansas City, Juju led the Chiefs’ receivers with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots also acquired Dolphins’ tight end Mike Gesicki. While he had a slow 2022 season, Gesicki had 73 receptions for 780 yards in 2021, earning the Franchise Tag. Both figure to be welcome additions for Jones and the pass offense. Finally, the Patriots added former Cowboys’ star Ezekiel Elliott, giving them depth in the backfield.

In the draft, the Patriots re-loaded. The team grabbed cornerback Christian Gonzales in the First-Round and defensive end Keion White in the Second-Round. The team bolstered the offensive line with center Jake Andrews. Then, in the Sixth-Round, the Patriots acquired an interested receiver in rookie Kayshon Boutte.

Fantasy Impact

Can Jones step up in year three? He was QB23 in 2022 despite missing a few games due to injury. With better weapons and coaching, I think he’ll remain a low-end QB2. In the backfield, Rhamondre Stevenson exploded in 2022. He rushed for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns, catching 69 passes. He finished as RB7. I like him as an RB1 again. Zeke is also there, and is clearly the best second option. But while he was in Dallas last season, Tony Pollard still finished as RB8. At this phase in his career, Zeke is more of a support back. Stevenson is the player I want, while Zeke is an RB3/4 for me.

In the passing game, Juju joins DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Boutte and Kendrick Bourne in the receiver room. Juju was WR27 last season and I think he’s a WR3 again. He’s the only receiver I want. At tight end, I like Gesicki as a low-end TE1 with veteran Hunter Henry as a TE2.

Prediction

The Patriots’ offense could be better, but the team is likely the worst team in its division. The Patriots should hover around .500, but another 8-9 season makes sense to me. I don’t think they get back to the playoffs.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.