Predicting the first loss for 8 remaining undefeated NFL teams

New England Patriots

Weeks 1-3: vs. Steelers (33-3), at Dolphins (43-0), vs. Jets (30-14)

Few teams in the NFL have been more dominant than the New England Patriots to begin the 2019 season. In Week 3, they manhandled the Jets and won by just 16 points, which was their smallest margin of victory through the first three weeks of the season. And even then, they took their foot off of the gas and were even more dominant than the final score would indicate.

While that may be true, it’s impossible to ignore that, like several undefeated teams, the Patriots haven’t been remotely tested to this point. Even pre-Ben Roethlisberger injury, the Steelers looked bad when New England thrashed them in Week 1. Furthermore, the Dolphins are a dumpster fire and the Jets were starting third-stringer Luke Falk at quarterback while also being short-handed on defense.

So what can we make of the Patriots beating three vastly inferior opponents? Well, it’s hard not to believe in them. Tom Brady appears to have not lost a step and, even with Antonio Brown gone, the Pats have a loaded group of offensive weapons. On top of that, their defense appears to be one of the best units in the league.

New England is going to remain unbeaten for quite some time this season. They’ll beat the Bills in Week 4 then are gifted matchups against the Redskins, Giants, Jets and Browns, who are a combined 2-10 through the first three weeks. However, when up against Lamar Jackson and Baltimore on the road in Week 9, the Pats will stumble with their first true test of the year.

First Loss: Week 9 at Ravens