Opponent writers predict the Patriots’ 2026 schedule, and a major step back

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 14: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images The New England Patriots took full advantage of their fourth-place schedule in 2025, more or less cruising through the regular season en route to a 14-3 record, division title, and the No. 2 playoff seed in the AFC. In order to find simi