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          New England Patriots 2020 season preview: Can Cam Newton keep dynasty rolling?

          • ESPN staffSep 8, 2020, 10:00 AM

          The New England Patriots are ranked No. 9 in ESPN's Football Power Index ahead of the 2020 NFL season. With no preseason games this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Week 1 is the first time we'll see new acquisitions and rookies for every team. Week 1 will also give us the first NFL games since Super Bowl LIV in February.

          Here's everything you need to know about the Patriots heading into the season, from the big question to answer and the toughest stretch on their schedule to a bold prediction and potential breakout fantasy football stars.

          Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

          The big question: How does No. 1 fare as QB1?

          Everything changed with the Patriots' quarterback competition when Jarrett Stidham went to a local hospital Aug. 20 for tests on his leg (they were negative), opening the door for Cam Newton.

          The former Panther, who wears No. 1, said he doesn't feel like the team's starter, and that he's not where he wants to be mentally at the line of scrimmage at times, but his acclimation holds the key to the offense. Add on that Newton was named one of the Patriots' eight captains last week, marking a quick rise after he officially signed with the team July 8. -- Mike Reiss

          How the pandemic has most affected the Patriots

          The Patriots haven't placed a player on the reserve/COVID-19 list, one of the few in the NFL in that category. So the main thing that affected them was being part of the "false positive" wave on Aug. 23, as veteran running back James White was among a handful of players in that category. -- Reiss

          Football Power Index projections for the Patriots

          Overall ranking: 9
          Offensive ranking: 22
          Defensive ranking: 1
          Special teams ranking: 2

          Total wins: 8.8
          AFC East title chances: 44.2%
          Chances to make playoffs: 63.5%
          Super Bowl chances: 3.6%
          2021 draft pick: No. 26

          Inside the Patriots' schedule

          FPI's strength of schedule rank: 6

          Toughest stretch: The first two road games -- at Seattle in Week 2 and at Kansas City in Week 4 -- are generally two of the toughest venues to play. But without fans, that might change the dynamic. So coming off the Oct. 18 bye might be a better choice, when the Patriots host San Francisco, visit Buffalo, and host Baltimore over a four-week span that includes a Monday night road game against the Jets.

          Over or under 8.8 wins? Over. While this is a season of significant change in New England, a motivated Newton makes the difference. -- Reiss

          Bold prediction for 2020: Newton wins the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award

          Newton's shoulder and foot have responded well in camp, and his energy and efforts to connect with teammates have created a spark in team headquarters. One thing is for sure: The Patriots' offense will look a lot different in certain areas than it did under former quarterback Tom Brady. -- Reiss

          Breakout fantasy star: Damien Harris, RB

          Harris' stock is on the rise as a product of Sony Michel's recovery from a foot injury, as well as positive camp reports. New England selected Harris in the third round of the 2019 draft after he led the 2018 Alabama backfield in snaps (yes, ahead of Josh Jacobs). Harris, who will miss at least the first three games of the season with a hand injury, is a well-rounded power runner with good size and receiving chops. If he emerges as New England's lead rusher, 15-plus touches per game is a real possibility. He's an outstanding late-round pick. -- Mike Clay

          ADP for the top players:

          The view from Vegas

          Super Bowl odds: 20-1 (opened 20-1)
          Over/under: 8.5
          Playoff odds: Yes -175, No +155

          The Patriots' 20-1 price to win the Super Bowl is historically large for the franchise. The last time the Patriots were 20-1 or longer to win the Super Bowl before the season started was in 2002, coming off the shocking Super Bowl win against the Rams. For the first time since 2010, the Pats are plus money (+135) to win the AFC East. To hit the win total, New England would have to win 9 games, something they have done every season since 2001. -- ESPN Chalk staff

          Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill as of Sept. 1.

          Where the Patriots landed in NFL Rank

          Speed reads before Week 1