The New England Patriots open up the 2022 NFL season with a road matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
In recent history, the Patriots haven’t had much luck at Hard Rock Stadium and the addition of Tyreek Hill isn’t going to help. The Patriots will have to overcome losses on the offensive coaching staff, along with losing key defensive players like J.C. Jackson and Kyle Van Noy.
Mac Jones is entering his second season without Josh McDaniels mentoring him on the sidelines, so he’ll likely need time to adjust and build chemistry with his teammates and coaches early in the year. The running back crew with Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and James White should be able to pick up some slack and give Jones some breathing room.
The defense doesn’t have a lockdown cornerback anymore and it won’t help starting the year off against two of the best receivers in the division. Hill and Jaylen Waddle are extremely quick and they will undoubtedly give the Patriots issues in both matchups this year.
According to Tipico Sportsbook, the Patriots are 2.5-point underdogs against the Dolphins — with the over/under set at 44.5 points. Those odds will slightly change before the season begins, but it’s clear that New England will have its hands full in Week 1.