Way too early prediction for the Patriots 2023 season

The 2022 Patriots season ended with a thud, and the team missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, so excuse me if I already want to look ahead to 2023. Instead of rehashing the losses that kept the Patriots out of the playoffs (hello, Las Vegas and Chicago) or thinking about how poorly coached they were (looking at you, Matt Patricia and Cam Achord), let’s take a stab at predicting the Patriots 2023 record now that we know their opponents.

Patriots 2023 Home Schedule

Buffalo Bills – The Patriots have lost four in a row and six of their last seven to the Bills. I expect that to continue until they find a way to slow down Josh Allen. Loss

Miami Dolphins – This could depend on the time of year these two teams meet, as I love the Patriots’ chances against Miami late in the season. Either way, I’m not sold on Mike McDaniel. Win

New York Jets – Who will be the Jets’ quarterback in 2023? The Jets definitely improved in 2022 but proved to be the same old Jets against New England. Win

Kansas City Chiefs – Unless Patrick Mahomes misses this game, I don’t see the Patriots keeping up with the Chiefs any time soon. Loss

Indianapolis Colts – The Colts will have a new head coach and, most likely, a new quarterback in 2023, and I think the Patriots are the better team overall. Win

Las Angeles Chargers – Definitely a game that could depend on the time of year, as I don’t trust the Chargers in cold weather. Justin Herbert also has not been good in his two starts against the Pats. Win

Philadelphia Eagles – Tough home schedule as the Patriots get five playoff teams from 2022, including the top seed in the NFC. Will the Patriots have the corners to stop AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith? Loss

Washington Commanders – Another team with quarterback questions for 2023 and a head coach who can beat himself. Win

New Orleans Saints – The Saints come to Foxboro for the second time in three years after picking up a win in 2021. This is not the same team without Sean Payton, and it might have a new quarterback as well. Win

Patriots 2023 Away Schedule

Buffalo Bills – See above. Apparently, their only shot is if there is snow and gale-force winds. Loss 

Miami Dolphins – The Patriots have lost eight of their last 10 in Miami. They’ve lost in the heat, on miracle plays, and even to Jay Cutler. Loss

New York Jets – The last time the Jets beat the Patriots was in the 2015 season at Metlife Stadium when Bill Belichick declined the ball after winning the overtime coin toss. If that’s what it takes for the Jets to win, then I don’t see that happening again. Win

Denver Broncos – This might depend on who is coaching the Broncos, as they actually had a really good defense in 2022. With a competent offense, they might’ve been in the playoffs. If this is where Sean Payton lands, it could be rough. Loss

Las Vegas Raiders – We know Derek Carr most likely won’t be back for the Raiders, so they will also have a new quarterback. Unless they upgrade their defense, I don’t think Vegas will be good in 2023. Win

Pittsburgh Steelers – The Patriots picked up a road win in Pittsburgh this season, but that was against Mitch Trubisky and a Steelers defense without TJ Watt. However, I don’t think Kenny Pickett is much better, and New England should be improved. Win

Dallas Cowboys – Another NFC team the Patriots will be playing for the second time in three seasons after losing in OT in 2021 at home. The Cowboys have more talent on the roster. Loss

New York Giants – Daniel Jones might be back as quarterback for the Giants in 2023 after Brian Daboll resurrected his career. The Giants are in the playoffs, but they loaded up wins playing a last-place schedule in 2022. Win

This way-too-early prediction has the Patriots at 10-7 in 2023, which should be enough to get back into the playoffs. Now we have to see what happens over the offseason.