THE BLITZ projects the Patriots to call the 7th-most plays on offense on the slate this week with 66.3 plays, based on their underlying tendencies and game dynamics.
This game will be played in a dome—which means no wind, higher pass volume, higher touchdown potential, and better passing efficiency.
THE BLITZ projects Hunter Henry to notch 3.8 targets this week, on average, ranking in the 78th percentile among TEs.
Hunter Henry’s receiving reliability have been refined this season, with his Completion% increasing from 69.6% to 73.3%.
The Minnesota Vikings defense has conceded the 7th-most receiving yards per game in football (54.0) versus TEs this year.
Cons
The New England Patriots have run the 6th-least plays in the NFL this year, averaging a measly 55.6 plays per game.
Hunter Henry has totaled far fewer air yards this year (23.0 per game) than he did last year (46.0 per game).
Hunter Henry’s 23.0 WOPR (Weighted Opportunity Rating—a volume stat that measures high-value offensive involvement) has been notably lower this season than it was last season at 35.1.
Hunter Henry has put up quite a few less receiving yards per game (26.0) this season than he did last season (37.0).
The New England Patriots O-line has afforded their QB a mere 2.53 seconds before the pass (9th-worst in football since the start of last season), which has a negative impact on all pass game metrics across the board.