2006 New England Patriots Predictions

After winning three Super Bowls in four years, the New England Patriots were unceremoniously bounced from last season's playoffs by the Denver Broncos in the second round. With a solid core of returning veterans and some promising rookies, New England looks to regain its spot atop the league.

The Patriots were decimated in free agency; however, they had an excellent draft and added a few veterans who could surprise.

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Additions: WRs Reche Caldwell and Chad Jackson (rookie), DB Tebucky Jones, PKs Martin Gramatica and Stephen Gostkowski (rookie), RB Laurence Maroney (rookie), TE David Thomas (rookie).

Subtractions: LBs Willie McGinest and Matt Chatham, WRs David Givens, Tim Dwight and Andre Davis, TE Christian Fauria, DB Tyrone Poole, T Tom Ashworth and, most importantly, PK Adam Vinatieri.

Sportsbook Odds: Despite some injury questions, the holdout of their top receiver (Deion Branch) and the departure of all the key veterans, the bettors still like the Patriots. WagerWeb.com has New England as +$315 to win the AFC championship and +$550 to win Super Bowl XLI.

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Player To Watch: The key player for the Patriots is LB Tedy Bruschi. He is the unquestioned leader of the defense and will be counted on even more with the departure of McGinest. Bruschi suffered a possible fractured wrist last week - the team has not confirmed the extent of the injury - but may be ready for the start of the season. A healthy Bruschi will allow Mike Vrabel to play his natural outside linebacker position and make the defensive line and defensive backs even better.

Outlook: The Patriots are still an elite NFL team and will be a factor when the playoffs roll around. Even if Branch's holdout extends into the season, Tom Brady is the best QB in the league at getting everyone involved and will find receivers who can make plays. New England also has one of the easiest schedules in the league. Any team with Bill Belichick as the coach and Brady under center is a contender. Look for New England to challenge for the Super Bowl again.

By Mike Brody of WagerWeb