Mark Daniels: Here are top takeaways from Patriots’ 2026 schedule

Vrabel’s squad doesn’t get a break. They have their home opener in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then, they have back-to-back road games in Jacksonville and Buffalo to close out the first four weeks.

The Patriots need to play good football to start this season if they don’t want to fall under .500 heading into Week 5.

The Patriots are back

Following Tom Brady’s exit, things looked bleak in New England, and expectations were low.

The 2024 schedule reflected those feelings as the Patriots had one primetime game scheduled – a Thursday night matchup against the New York Jets. They had no Monday night or Sunday night games.

Last season, the Patriots had three primetime games scheduled. This year, they have five primetime games along with an international tilt. This reflects the growth and popularity of the Patriots under Vrabel and Maye.

Beyond the Wednesday night opener, the Patriots have two Thursday night games (against Chicago in Week 7 and Minnesota in Week 14). They also have a Sunday Night game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12.

The Patriots will also play in Germany in Week 10 when they take on the Detroit Lions in Munich.

Patriots have a chance to silence critics

There aren’t many easy games on this schedule. After taking out four playoff teams in the first four weeks, the Patriots have their easiest two-game stretch against the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets in back-to-back home games.

The only other back-to-back stretch against non-playoff teams comes when the Patriots host the Vikings on a short week before traveling to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

After their Week 11 bye, the Patriots’ schedule is anything but easy. Their next four games are on the road against the Chargers, at home against Buffalo, on the road Thursday night against Minnesota, and then on the road against the Chiefs.

They also have an AFC Championship game rematch scheduled for Week 17 against the Denver Broncos.

This Patriots team has a golden opportunity to prove critics wrong from a year ago with this tougher schedule.

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