Are we watching the beginning of the end?

It sure seems that way.

You see, when a dynasty begins to falter, the signs are always evident.

The New England Patriots have been through it before, but they’ve always had the talent to replenish the roster or at least improve its weaknesses.

But we give you the difference today: An aging, injured warrior in receiver Julian Edelman looks like he’s just about done, as his knee woes appear to be catching up to him. Plus the fact his 34-year-old body has taken a pounding.

Who takes his place?

The answers aren’t good. In fact, the Patriots will go into Sunday’s game at Buffalo with a roster of wide receivers who were all undrafted. Amazing.

“They’re all young players, working hard, getting better,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday. “There may be an opportunity here . We’ll see how things shake out as we go through the next couple of days.”

And Edelman’s future?

“We’ll see how the return goes, I don’t think this is a season-ending situation,” Belichick said, amazingly informative for an injury situation. “But we’ll see. … Hopefully he’ll be back. He’s worked awfully hard. Nobody’s more competitive than Julian is.”

Belichick said the hope is that Edelman can return and “be better than he was”. And his replacement, whether it be the likes of Isaiah Zuber, Jacobi Meyers, etc., “Hopefully that player can take advantage of that opportunity and be productive.”

Here’s hoping this week’s picks are more productive than last week’s as well:

BILLS 24, PATRIOTS 17

Sure, it’s easy to abandon ship if you’re a Patriots fan or cover the team. The thing is, the receiver corps is incredibly thin. And not Stephon Gilmore has had knee issues. It just keeps getting worse for this team, and a trip to Buffalo isn’t exactly what the doctor ordered, despite Belichick’s success at getting in the head of Bills QB Josh Allen.

RAVENS 24, STEELERS 21

Game of the week, in Baltimore. No big analysis here as both teams are rocke ’em sock-em, but Steerlers QB Ben Roethlisberger may have a couple of turnovers that make the difference. The last unbeaten team in the NFL is due for a loss at some point, it may as well be now. Bet NBC is wishing this was their Sunday Night game instead of Dallas-Philly.

BROWNS 35, RAIDERS 33

No real way to handicap this one, because both teams are so unpredictable. It’s not like Odell Beckham, Jr., done for the year,was all that good with Cleveland, and both teams give up points like crazy. Just a hunch. If Myles Garrett (ankle) is able to play for the Browns, may be more than that.

SEAHAWKS 23, 49ERS 20

The Niners aren’t as good as they looked agains the Patriots last week, and you still have to like Russell Wilson over Jimmy Garappolo. The Seahawks, though, have to get better defensively to make this column’s Super Bowl pick – or even this potential win – come true.

SAINTS 19, BEARS 13

If this were in the Dome, it wouldn’t be this close. Drew Brees over either Bears QB at this point, as Chicago remains offensively challenged, third lowest scoring average in the NFC. Not good when facing the Saints.

RAMS 27, DOLPHINS 13

It’s Tua Time in Miami, but the Rams will likely have some answers for him, including a guy named Aaron Donald. This game will likely shape the future for both teams this season.

LIONS 27, COLTS 24

How about that Matt Patricia, outcoaching the Falcons last week (not hard to do). Just a hunch that Philip Rivers turns the ball over a few times and Detroit, playing at home, is able to penetrate what has been a decent Indy defense.

LAST WEEK: 4-3

SEASON RECORD: 32-16

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).

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