The only way the Patriots can one-up their dream 2025 season would be by winning the Super Bowl this season. That's certainly the goal, but there are plenty who doubt that New England can get back there.
One of the common criticisms of the Patriots last season was their schedule, which undoubtedly ranked among the weakest in the NFL. For those who believe a tougher schedule will put New England to the test, the 2026 season should provide the answer.
Once all of the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini smoke clears, the Patriots will bring back a team headed by a franchise quarterback and a deep defense. The likely acquisition of A.J. Brown would round out the offense and give New England what it hopes is a group talented enough to win games in January and February.
Here is a complete breakdown of the Patriots' 2026 schedule, including dates, start times and analysis for all 17 games.
New England Patriots schedule 2026
Home opponents: Bills, Broncos, Dolphins, Jets, Packers, Raiders, Steelers, Vikings
Away opponents: Bears, Bills, Chargers, Chiefs, Dolphins, Jaguars, Jets, Lions, Seahawks
Every NFL team's 2026 opponents are predetermined. New England's full 2026 NFL schedule with dates, times and TV networks will be updated below when the NFL schedule is announced at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14.
Week Date Opponent Kickoff time (ET) TV channel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Patriots strength of schedule
Much was made about the strength of the Patriots' schedule last season, which ranked 30th in the NFL based on opponent win percentage from the previous year and didn't get much more difficult when the games were actually played. That's set to turn around this season.
The Patriots' schedule ranks as the sixth-toughest in terms of opponent win percentage from 2025, thanks to a combination of a first-place schedule and tougher divisions that the AFC East is matching up with.
Toughest tests: The Patriots will face two tough tests against the Bills again, but road matchups against the Chiefs, Seahawks, Chargers, Lions and Bears will also be challenging. New England's home slate sees the Broncos and Packers come to town as well.
Biggest breaks: The Patriots have the luxury of facing both the Jets and Dolphins twice, and they will also welcome the Raiders to Foxborough looking to avenge last year's Week 1 loss that turned out to be one of the most bizarre results of the NFL season.
Patriots record prediction
Over/under win total: 9.5
Bottom line: Oddsmakers are not particularly high on the Patriots this season after winning 14 games in 2025. The tougher schedule has something to do with it, but New England still has a strong roster from top to bottom. Drake Maye should continue to get better, and the likely arrival of A.J. Brown is a boost to the offense. What makes the Patriots a safe bet to at least be a playoff team, though, is the defense that was rock-solid throughout the playoffs and looks deep once again.
Record prediction: 11-6