Patriots Projected to Finish 12-5 in 2026 as Schedule Opens With Super Bowl Rematch
Updated
Updated · Pats Pulpit · May 15
Patriots Projected to Finish 12-5 in 2026 as Schedule Opens With Super Bowl Rematch
7 articles · Updated · Pats Pulpit · May 15
A game-by-game projection after the NFL schedule release pegs New England at 12-5, down from last season’s 14 regular-season wins but still well above FanDuel’s 9.5-win total.
Week 1 sends the Patriots to Seattle for a Super Bowl LX rematch, where analysts predict a loss before New England rebounds with early wins over the Steelers and Jaguars.
The toughest stretches include three road games in the first four weeks, a Thursday trip to Chicago, a Sunday night game at the Chargers after the bye, and a Monday night visit to Kansas City.
The forecast has New England splitting with Buffalo, sweeping the Jets and Dolphins, beating Detroit in Germany, and closing on a 6-1 run to secure the 12-5 mark.
With the NFL's 6th toughest schedule and a Super Bowl hangover, are the Patriots being set up for disappointment in 2026?
Can new coaches in Buffalo and Miami finally shatter New England's predicted divisional dominance?
Can Drake Maye overcome his Super Bowl struggles and past injury to prove he is truly an elite quarterback this season?