2021 NFL: 20 Bold predictions for the final two months of season

3 of 20

Nov 28, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) on the line of scrimmage against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Bold Prediction No. 18: Patriots win the AFC East, go to AFC Championship

Not long ago, it might have seemed like a bold prediction to say the New England Patriots would make the playoffs. But now after they have played 12 games, it seems as though they’re not only a lock for the postseason, but they’re also in play for the AFC East title as well as the No. 1 seed.

Bill Belichick and his team have orchestrated a great turnaround this year. They were off to a sluggish start with a record of 2-4 following an overtime loss to Dallas in Week 6. But perhaps playing a high-powered offense down to the final snap was what it took for this team to truly buy into what they were doing.

Since that game, they have been on a roll. They’ve reeled off six wins in a row and some have been lopsided. They knocked off the Jets 54-13, the Panthers 24-6, Cleveland 45-7, and Atlanta 25-0. Then in Week 12, they routed the Titans 36-13, setting up a great showdown on Sunday Night Football with the Buffalo Bills who are a half-game behind New England in the East.

Look for them to secure another win as they make their way to yet another AFC East title, but that’s not all. While Mac Jones won’t become the first rookie to win a Super Bowl, he will get close as he leads the Pats to the AFC Championship Game. Something we will have to get used to seeing — all over again.

Home/NFL