Few gave the Patriots a chance to win in Week 1, including the oddsmakers.
Most sportsbooks initially tabbed New England as a 9.5-point underdog for its season opener in Cincinnati, with the number shortening a bit in the lead-up to gameday due to the Bengals' uncertainties at wide receiver. The visitors didn't end up needing the points, as they secured a 16-10 outright win Sunday afternoon at Paycor Stadium.
Davon Godchaux was asked about the significant point spread after the game, and the veteran defensive tackle didn't mince words when he addressed his team's doubters.
"Disrespectful. Very disrespectful," Godchaux told reporters, per MassLive's Mark Daniels. "That's the people, PFF, they don't know much about football. They say the Patriots are going to be 8.5-point underdogs, man, that's why you still have to play the game. It doesn't matter what somebody says. That's why the game has to be played between the white lines. We don't take personally -- it is what it is. Nobody's giving us a chance. After we string a couple of wins, I still want everybody to stay on that side and keep us underdogs."
Even after an impressive road win over an expected AFC contender, the Patriots opened as betting undogs for their home opener Sunday. FanDuel Sportsbook as of Monday morning listed the visiting Seattle Seahawks as a 3.5-point favorite for the Week 2 clash at Gillette Stadium.
Godchaux and company clearly are already brimming with motivation, but another slight from the oddsmakers only should add more fuel to their fire.
