10 bold predictions for the 2020 NFL season

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on prior to Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 01: James White #28 of the New England Patriots runs the ball in the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 1, 2019, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

6. At the very least, the Patriots reach the Divisional Round of the playoffs

Are we really that foolhardy to believe Bill Belichick can’t solve a Tom Brady exodus and COVID opt-outs? We shouldn’t be. He’s likely enjoying this.

For unknown reasons, former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady pulled off his best semblance of snow-birding this offseason and took his talents to Tampa Bay. It leaves the NFL with its best rendition of “What came first? The chicken or the egg?” in determining if Belichick or Brady was the true catalyst to success.

Brady struts into a roster situation stuffed full of weapons and the return of his longtime running-mate, Rob Gronkowski. Belichick is left with an experiment of sorts. About 15 percent of the Patriots 2020 roster decided to postpone football for themselves because of the coronavirus. And then New England signed Cam Newton to perhaps reenact his glory days. If Newton is going to do that anywhere, it will be with Belichick’s tutelage.

Arguably Belichick’s most valuable tendency is to foster a virtuous defense. Tom Brady and Cam Newton have absolutely nothing to do that side of the ball, so the Patriots will just fine. The team will batter the Dolphins and Jets and hold serve against Buffalo.

At a minimum, the Patriots will finish 10-6, win a postseason game, and make an appearance in the second round of the playoffs.

Don’t doubt The Hoodie.

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