The New England Patriots are the reigning AFC champions but how will a much more difficult schedule in 2026 affect their overall record this season?

That is what happens for a team that makes the Super Bowl in head coach Mike Vrabel's first season with the position and quarterback Drake Maye's second season in the league. And now the duo knows the schedule they will face with expectations dialed up after coming one win short of championship glory last season.

After a variety of rumors and leaks in recent days, the 2026 schedule for the New England Patriots has officially been released. The Patriots released their schedule Thursday night, along with the rest of the teams in the NFL.

Patriots Schedule Leaks: Latest Rumors, News Ahead of 2026 NFL Release originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The NFL's full 2026 schedule is set to be released on Thursday, giving Patriots fans a first glimpse at the dates for key matchups this season.

Here's the Patriots' 2026 schedule and how we think they'll do in the upcoming season.

The Patriots are predicted to win only eight games in the latest schedule prediction piece. Here is why that big of a falloff is unlikely.

The 2026-2027 schedule for the New England Patriots, and at first glace, any fan knows that it's not going to be easy for the home team. The Patriots finished last season with a record of 14-3, making it all the way to the Super Bowl, where the team played ...

The Chargers' NFL schedule release video references the Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini situation ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Patriots.

The Patriots will hold eight practices over the next three weeks.