"The New England Patriots made the most of a lighter schedule in 2025, boasting a 13-3 record and capturing the AFC East with one game left on the regular-season docket. Overall, the future looks bright in Foxborough - especially with second-year QB Drake Maye potentially primed to win NFL MVP honors. But, New England's impressive turnaround after a four-win season in 2024 is going to make for some tough sledding moving forward in 2026."
"Beyond an expected influx of primetime matchups next season, the Patriots - as reigning AFC East champions - are also going to be facing off against several 2025 division champs next fall as well. That will make for some difficult matchups for New England, beyond the fact that the Patriots are also going to play the entire NFC North and AFC West next season - two of the tougher conferences in the entire league."
The New England Patriots finished 2025 with a 13-3 record after a lighter schedule and secured the AFC East with one regular-season game remaining. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye emerged as a potential NFL MVP candidate amid New England's turnaround from a four-win 2024. As reigning AFC East champions, the Patriots will face a tougher 2026 slate, including primetime games and matchups against several 2025 division champions. New England will also play the entire NFC North and AFC West, two of the league's stronger conferences. Several 2026 opponents hinge on Week 18 outcomes, including the NFC West, AFC South, and AFC North champions.
Read at Boston.com
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