With Brady’s Return Uncertain, Patriots’ Super Bowl 55 Odds Open at +1600

• Facing an offseason of uncertainty, New England has opened as a +1600 bet in the Super Bowl 55 odds
• Poised to become a free agent, quarterback Tom Brady’s days in New England could be done
• Aging core, tough schedule present massive challenges for Patriots in 2020

The New England Patriots enter the NFL offseason at a crossroads. With quarterback Tom Brady’s future uncertain, and a challenging schedule awaiting them in 2020, the Patriots sit well back of favorites in the NFL futures, pegged as a distant +1600 bet in the early Super Bowl 55 odds.

Odds to Win Super Bowl 55

Odds taken on Feb. 2nd.

Hot Start Quickly Fizzled

The Patriots looked poised to make a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance after opening this past season on a torrid 8-0 run. Listed with strong +667 odds to win Super Bowl 54 entering the 2019 NFL campaign, the Patriots quickly vaulted to the top of the odds during their fast start, peaking as +200 chalk in late October.

When we talk about the inefficiency of the Patriots passing game, this is what we're talking about – some bad throws, some miscommunications. Very unlike them and him – meaning Tom Brady. The video certainly supports the theory of an elbow injury. pic.twitter.com/qYcWASHNqA

— Tony Massarotti (@TonyMassarotti) December 18, 2019

But faced with a tougher schedule during the second half of the season, and with Brady hobbled by an elbow injury, New England struggled to maintain its early-season momentum down the stretch, falling to defeat in three of their final five regular season contests. The Patriots particularly struggled on offense during the second half, averaging a meagre 21.25 points per game over their final eight outings after averaging 31.25 PPG during their 8-0 start.

Brady Preparing to Move On?

Patriot fans must brace themselves for the real possibility that Brady’s days in New England are done. Now set to become an unrestricted free agent, the 42-year-old has said little about his plans, except to express a desire to play until he’s 45.

Neither. Just a classy tribute. pic.twitter.com/UunJW4BT7D

— Rosie memos (@almostjingo) January 31, 2020

The four-time Super Bowl MVP caused a considerable stir on Twitter during Super Bowl Week by posting an uncaptioned picture of himself in the tunnel at Gillette Stadium. With the image not clearly depicting whether Brady is walking towards or away from the gridiron, speculation has been rampant that it hints at the future Hall-of-Famer’s imminent retirement.

However, with the image bearing eerie similarities to an iconic picture of Kobe Bryant leaving the hardwood at Staples Center, it was likely meant as a tribute to the Los Angeles Lakers great, who passed away under tragic circumstances on January 26.

A move out west could set the stage for Tom Brady's life after football.https://t.co/hor0yrECY3

— Daniel Coyle (@thepopgun) February 2, 2020

As for Brady’s plans, a change of scenery is a good bet as he winds down his epic NFL career. Among the potential destinations for Brady are the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders, both of which would provide a good fit for the Northern California native as he prepares for life after football.

Aging Core Cause for Concern

And Brady is not the only aging star that could soon be moving on from New England. A favorite target of Brady’s during their decade together in New England, Julian Edelman is likely on borrowed time with the Patriots.

From @NFLGameDay: If #Patriots QB Tom Brady sounds different these days, there is a reason… he's not thrilled with the turnover at WR. Which makes sense, as Brady has invested a ton of time in helping WRs Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon get right, and both have been jettisoned. pic.twitter.com/oV6S51Ac5x

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2019

The wide receiver racked up a career-high 1,117 receiving yards in 2019, but was once again limited by injuries that required him to recently undergo shoulder surgery. The soon-to-be 34-year-old has one more year on his contract before being eligible to be bought out, but it is unclear how he fits into the Patriots’ plans should the team hit the reset button.

In either case, this team will be desperately searching for downfield help after failing to adequately replace Rob Gronkowski, and resorting to failed experiments with Josh Gordon and Antonio Brown in 2019.

Improving AFC East Rivals, Tough Schedule Pose Massive Challenges

The Patriots also face growing threats from within their own division. The Buffalo Bills enjoyed a resurgence in 2019, and were only denied top spot in the AFC East by their two narrow losses to New England. With quarterback Sam Darnold blossoming under center, the New York Jets finished 2019 on a hopeful 6-2 run.

In addition, the NFL schedule makers have done the Patriots no favors, saddling the team with the league’s toughest schedule next season.

Patriots 2020 schedule

Home
SFO- Jimmy Garoppolo
BAL- Lamar ackson
ARI- Kyler Murray
OAK- Derek Carr
DEN- Drew Lock

Away
KAN- Pat Mahomes
SEA- Russell Wilson
HOU- Deshaun Watson
LAR- Jared Goff
LAC- TBD

Home/Away
BUF- Josh Allen
NYJ- Sam Darnold
MIA- TBD

Tom, One more please? pic.twitter.com/5qJS2k3XAC

— Boston Sports Info (@bostonsportsinf) December 22, 2019

Recent history has taught us to never underestimate the Patriots. Indeed, if Brady returns for one more season, the team is likely to once again be a serious playoff contender. However, the days of getting a free pass at the sportsbooks are likely over, and with so many questions still unanswered, sports bettors return to the New England bandwagon at their own peril.

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