When was the last time a team had to shake off an 18-1 season? Well, never, but that is exactly what the Patriots must do if they hope to make a return to the Super Bowl in 2009. New England blazed through the regular season and the playoffs last year only to be shocked by the Giants in Arizona. Odds makers like the Pats chances of recovery as NFL Betting odds at SBGglobal.com have New England at +150 odds to win the AFC Championship.
A quick glance around the league makes it evident why the Patriots are the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl in 2009. Quarterback Tom Brady will be leading mostly the same group of players in 2008 and last year the offense led the league in almost every offensive category. Most remarkable of New England's statistics, though, was their 36.8 point per game average. It is hard to envision the Patriots equaling that total this year, but they should still be an unbelievable challenge for any defense they face. The only loss on offense was wide receiver Dante Stallworth, but Brady has no shortage of talented personnel to distribute the ball to.
The Patriots dominated on the defensive side of the ball as well, ranking fourth in the league by allowing opponents 17.1 points per game. This year New England will be working in some new bodies as a number of players departed via free agency. Three cornerbacks, including Pro Bowler Asante Samuel, signed with new clubs as did linebacker Roosevelt Colvin and safety Eugene Wilson. The Patriots typically like to work with a veteran group of linebackers and they still will this season, however, circumstances will force them to work in some newcomers. The team's first round selection Jerod Mayo should see a lot of playing time.
Prediction: 1st Place AFC East.
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