It’s here already?

Yes, the New England Patriots are invited to a party tonight that they really don’t want to attend, the Super Bowl banner raising in Seattle for the Seahawks.

They won’t be polite guests. And why should they be?

The Patriots were drubbed by the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Those who were there certainly haven’t forgotten, but they’ll also tend to business. And they’ll do it without the contract of Christian Gonzalez being a storm cloud over their heads. Take that off the pre-game and in-game discussion docket, NBC. And remember, it’s a four year extension, with the team having him under his current deal (it picked up his fifth-year option) so he’ll be under contract for the next six seasons.

The Patriots are ready to go. They have a better offensive line than a year ago. They have A.J. Brown. They may not be able to get a ton of pressure on Seattle QB Sam Darnold, but they may be more physical than we’ve seen.They’ll also unveil things none of us have seen, as those are rehearsed in the practice time not open to the media.

So here we go. For those who are new to this feature it’s every week through the Super Bowl, and in the regular season we pick – no spreads – the winners in that week’s Patriots game and six others.Usually go two all-AFC, two all-NFC, and two interconference, but sometimes the schedule doesn’t warrant it.:

PATRIOTS 27, SEAHAWKS 17

Sure, it’s a big night in Seattle. But let’s remember a few things, most importantly last year’s Super Bowl MVP,running back Kenneth Walker III, left as a free agent. The back he was filling in for in the lead role – many forget that – Zach Charbonnet – is still recovering from his torn ACL. The offensive coordinator from that day, Klint Kubiak, comes to Gillette soon as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Things are different. And the result will be, too. And besides, can Sam Darnold beat the Patriots twice in a row?

BILLS 23, TEXANS 20

A challenge for potentially the NFL’s best player, Josh Allen, but let’s face it.It’s Allen vs. C.J. Stroud, who is turning down a $50 million deal to get more down the road. Uh, did anyone show him the tape from last year’s Divisional Round loss to the Patriots?

BRONCOS 30, CHIEFS 17

Yes, we know it’s at Arrowhead. Yes, we know it’s a Denver team that may not score at a high level. Yes, we know Patrick Mahomes is back from his torn ACL ahead of schedule. But here’s the thing: the Chiefs weren’t that good when Mahomes went down last year to begin with.

RAMS 31, NINERS 13

What a mess in San Francisco, and they take it with them to the Land Down Under Thursday night. Kind of question the Rams’ strategy of flying like, what, 10 minutes before the game? OK, a day before but that’s a long flight. But this is the Super Bowl favorite we’re talking about.

COWBOYS 27, GIANTS 17

We almost went with the G-Men and the John Harbaugh hype. And we know Dallas is hurting without starting guard Tyler Smith (thumb), and the Giants have a great pass rush, or as supposed to have one. But they also have CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens and the Giants secondary stinks. Couldn’t do it.

BENGALS 30, BUCS 24

Nice QB battle between Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield, and two head coaches that might not survive the season. A little reprieve here for Bengals coach Zac Taylor and now more heat is on the Bucs’ Todd Bowles.

CHARGES 27, CARDINALS 14

This looks like a layup; some feel the Chargers could be the AFC’s best team. That is fundamentally impossible. But they’ll be better than an Arizona team that finally rid itself of Kyler Murray but doesn’t have much else. Jacoby Brissett? Oh please.

LAST SEASON: 90-40 overall (7-6 playoffs).

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