Patriots betting preview: Will New England’s offseason spending pay dividends in 2021?

Related: Patriots 53-man roster projection: Where does the team stand before the second preseason game?

Things obviously did not go accordingly for the 2020-21 New England Patriots. As Tom Brady headed to Tampa to win his seventh Super Bowl, the Patriots posted their first losing season in 20 seasons, while missing the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

As the page flips to the 2021-22 NFL season, Bill Belichick and Co. are looking to get back to their winning ways, and have taken some serious measures to do so. The Patriots went on an uncharacteristic spending spree this past offseason, upgrading their offensive weapons and retooling their defense.

Opening the checkbook certainly earned Bill Belichick the “Dollar Dollar Bill” nickname his quarterback Cam Newton gave him last season.

So, with Newton back under center, as well with some competition from first-round pick Mac Jones, here’s how Covers previews the 2021 Patriots betting odds.

New England Patriots futures odds

Futures Bet – Odds

Super Bowl: +2,000

To Win Conference: +1,000

To Win Division: +375

To Make Playoffs: Yes +135/No -155

Season Win Total O/U: 9 (Over -140)

Despite rushing quarterback Cam Newton in, facing Covid-19 challenges, salary cap restrictions, and playing a first-place schedule last season, the Patriots still managed to win seven games. With a much-improved roster — and an additional game on their schedule — New England seems to be on a path to eclipse their projected season win total (9).

While the win total appears low, it may not be the best bet one can make on the Patriots. Jason Logan, managing editor at Covers, believes betting on New England to make the playoffs provides the best value.

“The 2021 Pats are in much better shape on both sides of the ball,” explained Logan. “Do they challenge Buffalo for the division crown? Nah. Do they make the tournament in the expanded postseason? Yep.”

Breaking down the Patriots game-by-game odds, New England currently is the betting favorite in nine games, while Week 9 and 15, against Carolina and Indianapolis respectively, are pick ‘ems. The Patriots’ Over/Under numbers come in on the lower side, as just five totals are set at 48 points or over.

One game that jumps out is New England’s Week 11 matchup in Atlanta on Thursday Night Football. The Patriots are currently +1.5 point underdogs, which could turn out to be quality value.

“This non-conference road trip is stuffed between key AFC contests versus Cleveland in Week 10and Tennessee in Week 12 — two teams that will be jockeying with the Patriots for a postseason position,” said Logan. “New England doesn’t have a bye until Week 14, so it’ll be feeling the burn on November 18. That said, the Falcons have deep-rooted issues against AFC foes, going 17-28 ATS (38%) in non-conference clashes since 2010.”

Check out the rest of the Patriots 2021 betting preview at Covers.