Patriots Get Surprising Prediction After Schedule Release

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

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The New England Patriots are the reigning AFC and AFC East champions, but that could be much different this season.

New England was a major surprise last season, as Drake Maye had an MVP-caliber season in his sophomore season. Yet, due to the Patriots winning the AFC East a year ago, New England will have a harder schedule in 2026.

So, NFL analyst Dan Wilkins of theScore predicts New England will go 10-7 in a disappointing season.

“A challenging schedule creates some uncertain moments for the reigning AFC champs, who do just enough to get back to the postseason,” Wilkins wrote in an article published on Saturday. “Second-half wins over the Bills and Broncos give the Patriots every reason to believe they can go on another deep run.”

Wilkins has the Patriots picking up notable wins over the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Detroit Lions, while he has the Patriots winning their final three games to potentially earn a playoff berth.

Wilkins also predicts New England will start the year with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of the Super Bowl.

The Patriots have the second-best odds of winning the AFC East at +130, while New England has odds of -200 to make the playoffs, which implies a 66.7% chance of reaching the postseason again.

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