The New England Patriots have ushered in some significant changes this offseason. As a result, the bettors have made sure to temper their expectations for the 2020 NFL season.

According to the website SportsBetting.ag, the Patriots are favored to win just half of their games next season.

The lack of faith in New England hardly comes as a surprise. After all, the Patriots parted ways with quarterback Tom Brady in free agency. It is also clear that his absence has had a major impact on their potential as Super Bowl contenders.

The Patriots have since made a few moves under center to help shore up a potential contingency plan now that Brady is gone. They started by signing one of their former backups in quarterback Brian Hoyer. Hoyer is set to enjoy his third stint with the team. They also opted to release quarterback Cody Kessler, perhaps in an effort to clear up a spot for another option to compete with Hoyer and quarterback Jarrett Stidham for the starting job.

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Of course, it does not help that the Patriots' projected schedule is shaping up to be a difficult one. Aside from squaring off against the usual AFC rivals, their 2020 campaign is highlighted by their showdown with the NFC West. The NFC West was arguably the most competitive division in the league last year and not much is expected to change.

Head coach Bill Belichick knew full well about the doubt that was going to be cast over the Patriots with Brady no longer under center. The onus will fall on him to prove the doubters wrong with this new-look squad.