2023 opponents could result in Patriots playoff berth

Patriots Losses

Let’s make this clear: the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are not unbeatable. The Patriots should play these teams close, and depending on the offseason the Chargers have, the Patriots may even have the edge in that one. We will be in these games, but if I had to pick two non-divisional losses, these are two that stand out. The Patriots are at home for both of these, so I could see them going 1-1, but for the sake of the exercise, we’ll call it 0-2.

I’m counting on a loss against Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts has the mobility that gives Bill Belichick defenses trouble. The Eagles have two elite wideouts in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a stud tight end in Dallas Goedert. Meanwhile, the Patriots will be undergoing a significant change in the secondary over the offseason. That will be problematic in this one.

Summary:

AFC East: 3-3

Non-divisional Home: 3-3

Non-divisional Away: 5-0

Total: 11-6

Maybe we come out flat and lose road games to the Broncos or Cowboys, but perhaps that evens out in a home win against the Chargers or Eagles. Regardless, it’s easy to see this as an 11-6 team. This schedule has some teams that jump off the page at you for a brief spook (looking at you, Kansas City), but overall, I don’t think this is a bad draw for New England. It will be interesting to see the finalized schedule, as the timing of these games really does change things. But there is good reason to be hopeful in New England.