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NFL Power Rankings Week 4: How experts view Patriots after 1-2 start originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
A lot of people viewed the New England Patriots as a last-place team entering the 2024 NFL season, and after the first three weeks, that’s how the team is being rated in expert power rankings entering Week 4.
After a surprising upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the Patriots have lost back-to-back games to fall to 1-2. The Patriots lost 23-20 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks in a game they easily could have won. New England was then dominated by the rival New York Jets in a 24-3 loss last Thursday at MetLife Stadium.
The primary concerns with the Patriots right now are on offense. This team has scored only one touchdown in its last seven quarters of action. The Patriots were outgained 400-139 in total offense by the Jets, and they went just 2-for-11 on third downs.
The offensive line is another massive issue. This unit gave up seven sacks and 15 QB hits in the Week 3 loss to the Jets. New York’s defense generated pressure on 53.8 percent of New England’s dropbacks.
If these problems aren’t corrected, we could see another lopsided score Sunday when the Patriots visit the San Francisco 49ers. The defending NFC champions tallied 425 yards of offense and scored 27 points in Week 3 despite not having star players such as running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle due to injuries.
Oddsmakers aren’t giving the Patriots much of a chance, either. The 49ers are favored by 10 points at some sportsbooks.
Here’s a roundup of expert power rankings entering Week 4.
“The sooner Drake Maye starts, the better.” — Mike Florio
“Jacoby Brissett never had a chance against the Jets, snowed under by the rush seemingly every time he dropped back to pass, so it was surprising in the immediate aftermath of the loss when head coach Jerod Mayo initially punted on the question of whether he would make a QB change. The next day,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-4-180317993.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-09-25 18:03:17
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