Madden 22: Our 2021 NFL season sim results in some wild predictions

New England Patriots

8-9, 2nd in AFC East (No. 7 seed in AFC)

The New England Patriots are still looking to replace Tom Brady and this season they turn to rookie quarterback Mac Jones. With Cam Newton released, Bill Belichick has put all his faith in the first-round draft pick and there are high hopes for Jones, who was selected 15th overall.

There will be some growing pains with a rookie, as evidenced by Madden’s prediction for Jones: 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. I think those interceptions are a little high for Jones, who has shown great care for the ball during preseason. If Jones can limit his turnovers and simply manage the offense while the defense keeps things close, I think the Patriots have a shot at potentially sneaking into the playoffs as a wild card.

The Patriots’ newest tight end, Hunter Henry, is also projected to have a big season with 87 receptions for 980 yards and 10 touchdowns. When healthy, Henry can be one of the league’s top tight ends, and clearly, Madden thinks so also. Nelson Agholor leads the team with 1,025 yards while adding six touchdowns. The Patriots are known for spreading the ball around, so not having a standout player isn’t a complete shock.

I don’t think it’s a surprise that the Patriots would make the playoffs, but doing so with a 8-9 record is interesting. That would mean the rest of the AFC would have to struggle as well. In any case, Madden predicts the Patriots will lock up the No. 7 seed in the AFC.