im actually really tempted to take the patriots over 8.5 wins @ 2.00. they have the easiest schedule imaginable.

should win:
panthers
saints
browns
jets*2
giants

winnable:
raiders
steelers
falcons
dolphins @ home

difficult:
bengals
bucs
dolphins on the road

no chance:
bills*2
chiefs
ravens

that is 6 games against the leagues dumpster fires. they should win those. i get it you, cant just assume they win the games they are supposed to win and lose the games they are supposed to lose, but realistically speaking, they have like 4 games that are against a really good opponent, and then 13 other games against teams around their level to get to 9 wins. in other years the commanders and 49ers were able to take advantage of a very easy schedule, and have a mid tier unproven quarterback carry them to a 12+ win season. this could easily be the patriots and drake mayes year here.