NFL Writer Names One Major Factor That Will Activate 'Cold' Start For Patriots

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

NFL Writer Names One Major Factor That Will Activate 'Cold' Start For Patriots originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots learned their 2026 schedule on Thursday night, and their first four games certainly don't do them any favors.

New England will kick off the season on the road against the Seahawks, then return home to face the Steelers before heading out to take on the Jaguars and Bills. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport believes the Patriots will have a "cold" start to their season.

"The Patriots won 14 games last year in part due to a last-place schedule, but the Pats will receive no such benefit in 2026," Davenport wrote on Saturday. "Starting with a trip to Seattle for a Super Bowl LX rematch to kick off the season, the Patriots face four straight 2025 playoff teams to open the season. As if that wasn't tough enough, three of those games are on the road, including trips to Seattle, Jacksonville and Buffalo."

New England certainly won't have an easy path through its first four games, but it could provide a great opportunity to set the stage for success for the rest of the season. If the Patriots can manage to go .500 through these initial matchups, it could really boost their confidence moving forward.