The New England Patriots have enjoyed a rather solid preseason. They hope to return to the NFL playoffs in 2021. However, Bill Belichick still has a quarterback battle to figure out with Mac Jones and Cam Newton fighting for that top spot.

The Patriots are fresh off a demolition of the Philadelphia Eagles in their second game, winning that one 35-0. Of course, this is the most important one as both quarterbacks look to continue to prove their case to be named the team's starter.

The Patriots also traded running back Sony Michel to the Los Angeles Rams due to their crowded running back room, so it's been a busy week. Let's put forth four bold predictions as the Patriots conclude their preseason slate against the New York Giants.

*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (Click for free trial)*

Patriots predictions:

4. Gunner Olszewski plays well again 

The Patriots' wide receiver room includes Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, and Jakobi Meyers after a busy offseason. However, Gunner Olszewski played well against the Eagles. He caught four balls for 57 yards after going without a catch in their first game against Washington.

Olszewski is primarily known as a special teams player, but perhaps the Pats want to use him in the passing game due to his versatility. This is another shot for him to prove his worth as a receiver, and the departure of Julian Edelman sets up Gunner perfectly for that role.

3. Patriots backs run wild 

The trade of Sony Michel could be attributed to the impressive play of both J.J. Taylor and Rhamondre Stevenson. Damien Harris is the starter, and James White is a terrific pass-catcher, but the emergence of the others made Michel expendable.

J.J. Taylor had 93 yards on 12 carries and a score. Stevenson impressed again, going for 66 yards and a pair of touchdowns after he exploded for 127 yards in their first game. Taylor also added three catches for 18 yards.

The Patriots appear to have a run-heavy offense, and Josh McDaniels–apparently–has a ton of options in the running game. Look for both Taylor and Stevenson to impress once again, giving Belichick and the Patriots headaches in dealing with this crowded rotation.

2. Patriots defense plays well 

The Patriots' defense has been a hot topic during the offseason, and Kyle Van Noy touched on their performance recently.

The Patriots shut out the Eagles in Week 2 of the preseason and gave up just 13 points to Washington. Preseason or not, that is impressive, and if their defense can perform like that, they should be able to sneak into the playoffs in the tough AFC.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Adonai Mitchell, Troy Franklin, Blake Fisher New England Patriots

Conor Roche ·

Patriots' Drake Maye and Tom Brady

Conor Roche ·

Patriots' Drake Maye, Robert Kraft and Jerod Mayo

Conor Roche ·

The Giants and Patriots had joint practices this week, and the Giants' offense clearly struggled against New England, so don't be surprised if the Giants rarely score in the game.

1. Mac Jones earns the job over Cam Newton

This quarterback battle is a tough one to decipher. Both have played well through the first couple of games. But, with Newton away from practice due to a COVID-19 protocol situation, it has paved the way for Jones to claim the job.

Jones should get a ton of work, and it helps that he has been facing the Giants' defense all week–and dominating Big Blue.

Jones should come out and impress again, enough for Belichick and the Patriots to hand him the keys to the car for the regular-season opener.