In this article we will formulate a Patriots vs Commanders prediction for this NFL game on Friday, August 8th at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week one matchup in the preseason.
New England Patriots Betting Preview
The New England Patriots went 4-13 last season and they finished last in the AFC East standings, which was nine games behind the first place Bills. New England opened the season with an upset win over Cincinnati, but they lost the next six games and never recovered. The Patriots defeated the Bengals, Jets, Bears, and Bills, while they lost to the Seahawks, Jets, 49ers, Dolphins (2), Texans, Titans Jaguars, Rams, Colts, Cardinals, Bills, and Chargers. New England had trouble defense, as they allowed at least 25 points in five of their last seven games. The Patriots scored 17.0 points per game in 2024, which was ranked 30th in the NFL, while they allowed 24.5 points against per game, which was ranked 22nd.
New England went 1-2 in the 2024 preseason, which was tied for third in the AFC East. The Patriots defeated Carolina in their first game by a score of 17-3, but they lost to Philadelphia in their second game by a score of 14-13 and Washington by a score of 20-10 to close it out. The Patriots may play Drake Maye for a series or two, but we should expect to see Joshua Dobbs and Ben Wooldridge play the majority of the game under center. Dobbs has some decent experience and should find success.
Washington Commanders Betting Preview
The Washington Commanders were 12-5 last year and they finished second in the NFC East standings, just two games behind the Eagles. Washington played very well all season and had two separate winning streaks of at least four games in the regular season. The Commanders picked up wins against the Giants (2), Bengals, Cardinals, Browns, Panthers, Bears, Titans, Saints, Eagles, Falcons, and Cowboys, while they lost to the Buccaneers, Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, and Cowboys. Washington did make the playoffs, where they beat Tampa Bay by a score of 23-20 and Detroit by a score of 45-31, before losing to Philadelphia by a score of 55-23. Washington scored 28.5 points per game in 2024, which was 5th in the NFL, while they allowed 23.0 points against per game, which was 18th.
The Commanders went 1-2 in the 2024 preseason, which was tied for second in the NFC East standings. Washington lost to the Jets by a score of 20-17 and the Dolphins by a score of 13-6, but they did beat the Patriots by a score of 20-10 in the finale. Washington will not play Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota in this game, so we will see Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman at the quarterback position.
Patriots vs Commanders Prediction
New England is expected to play most of their starters for at least a portion of this game, while Washington will have most of their starters sit, which is why the Patriots are a pretty big favorite. I think both teams will have some success with Dobbs and Johnson at quarterback, which leads me to think we will see some points here. I expect a fast start from New England, but Washington should be ok offensively. Take the over in this game.