However, there is a lot of optimism heading into the 2025 season — especially with new head coach Mike Vrabel manning the sidelines, franchise quarterback Drake Maye under center and proven offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels calling the plays.
The Patriots drastically improved their roster as well, including receiver Stefon Diggs and first-round draft pick Will Campbell. Will it be enough for New England to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021?
The six-time Super Bowl-winning franchise is projected to have the third-easiest schedule in the NFL this season based on its opponents’ win percentage last season (.429). New England trails only the San Francisco 49ers (.415) and New Orleans Saints (.419) for the easiest schedules in 2025.
New England will play each team from the NFC South and AFC North, as well as the 2024 fourth-place teams from the NFC East, AFC South and AFC West. The Patriots will also see their AFC East division rivals twice, once on the road and once at Gillette Stadium, as part of their 17-game schedule.
Here’s the Patriots’ full schedule and opponents.
Of the 17-game slate, the Patriots will play three nationally-televised contests in the regular season, including two at Gillette Stadium. New England will play at Buffalo in a Sunday Night Football matchup in Week 6, followed by primetime games against the New York Jets for Thursday Night Football on Nov. 13 and a Monday Night Football tilt against the New York Giants on Dec. 1.
The Patriots will have their bye in Week 14 and close out the regular season against their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins. The date and time of the finale are to be determined.
New England will host one of its three preseason games. The Patriots will welcome the Washington Commanders to Foxboro on Aug. 8 before facing the Minnesota Vikings and Giants on Aug. 16 and Aug. 21, respectively.
