Patriots Fans Finally Have a Reason to Be Excited This Season

Welcome to Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. If you're a New England Patriots fan, this might finally be the year the team becomes fun to watch again – something we haven't seen in over five years.

ABC6 Sports Director Nick Coit said the word he keeps using to describe the upcoming season is "interesting," though he admits he's not quite sure how that will play out.

Why Mike Vrabel Brings Hope

Coit is most “interested” in the new coaching staff, now led by former New England Patriot Mike Vrabel. As a key figure during the early Patriots dynasty years, Vrabel has always been respected in the locker room.

Vince Wilfork recently shared that he knew Vrabel was destined to be a head coach even back when they played together. Wilfork said Vrabel would often override defensive calls from the sideline with his own read – decisions that usually worked.

Vrabel also reportedly had no problem calling out Tom Brady when necessary. According to Coit, that’s leadership.

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Drake Maye Steps Into the Spotlight

Another important piece of leadership this year is second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He’ll use this season to grow his decision-making, improve his playmaking skills, and protect the football.

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Maye gets his first test this Sunday at Gillette Stadium when the Patriots take on the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders will be led by veteran QB Geno Smith and tight end Brock Bowers, who had a record-setting rookie season and is already considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

Can the Patriots Win in Week 1?

“If Maye can take care of the ball and the defense can cause a turnover or two,” Coit said, he believes the Patriots can edge out the Raiders with a 21-17 win.

Fantasy Football Sleeper Alert

Coit also named a potential Week 1 sleeper for fantasy football: DeMario "Pop" Douglas. No other Patriots receiver was targeted more by Maye during the preseason. Douglas is still available in most fantasy leagues and could be a smart waiver wire pickup.

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