The Washington Football Team and New England Patriots face off Thursday in a preseason NFL showdown at Gillette Stadium.
All eyes are going to be on the New England Patriots in this game with their quarterback position. Last season the Patriots tried to adjust to life without Tom Brady, and it didn’t go as well as they hoped. Cam Newton had some major struggles, but he comes into this season with a chance to start, but he is going to have to earn that job. The Patriots selected Mac Jones in the 2021 draft, and all eyes are going to be on him to see how he performs. Jarrett Stidham also had a chance to start this season, but he underwent back surgery and now is out a few months. The Patriots also tried to improve their tight end position by bringing in Hunter Henry. On the defensive side of the ball, New England drafted Christian Barmore who should be a difference-maker on the defensive line right away.
On the other side of this matchup is the Washington Football Team who finished last season with a 7-9 record, but they played in the terrible NFC East. This Washington football team looks to be led by Ryan Fitzpatrick, with Taylor Heinke expected to be the backup. Kyle Allen is also playing for a backup role, but he is dealing with an ankle injury, and isn’t expected to go in this game. At running back the Washington Football team is led by Antonio Gibson but he probably won’t get a whole lot of run in this game with the team already knowing exactly what they have in him. On defense, Washington is led by Chase Young, William Jackson III and Montez Sweat.
The Washington Football Team is 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games overall. The Patriots are 9-2 against the spread in their last 11 games as a home underdog. The under is 7-1 in the Patriots last eight games overall. The favorite is 3-1-1 against the spread in the last five meetings played between the two teams.
I think Washington is going to get better play in this game from their quarterback and that will continue in this game. Look for the New England Patriots to struggle, and that will lead to Washington covering this spread.