It feels like it's been ages since the last time the New England Patriots played a real football game, but the wait is finally over. Football-deprived fans can finally take a deep breath and enjoy the frenzy again.
A lot has been said about the 2026 Patriots, mostly bad. They've heard every excuse and hot take in the book, and while they can't control what others think of them, they've certainly taken notice and are eager to silence the doubters.
While there will be some ups and downs, there's no reason to believe the Patriots won't be as good as they were in 2025 — if not better.
So without further ado, here are our four boldest predictions for this 2026 season.
Drake Maye and Maxx Crosby headline four predictions that could reshape New England's season
1. The Patriots will sweep the Buffalo Bills and go 6-0 in the AFC East
To say the AFC East isn't particularly competitive would probably be an understatement. If anything, failing to sweep the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets would be a major red flag for Mike Vrabel's team.
The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, are a different story. Josh Allen's team is tough as nails, and while the Pats should still hold their own against them, splitting the season series sounds like the most realistic scenario.
We're not here to be realistic, though. The Patriots will visit Joe Brady's team in Week 4 after a road date with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It will also be the Bills' third consecutive home game, so it's certainly a tough spot on the schedule.
That said, the Bills will open against the Texans, Lions, and Chargers, so they could be pretty banged up. Similar to 2025, an early road win in Buffalo could alter the course of the Patriots' season.
2. Drake Maye will lead the NFL in passing
Drake Maye had the highest passer rating and completion percentage last season, and he threw for the fourth-most passing yards in the league. That was in his first full season as a starter, so the sky is the limit now.
The Patriots overhauled their wide receiver room this offseason. Maye posted those stats with an aging Stefon Diggs as his No. 1 target, so one can only wonder what his numbers will look like with A.J. Brown in the mix.
This team went from having a thin wideout room to having one of the deepest in the game, all while bolstering the offensive line. Maye was roughly 400 yards behind Matthew Stafford, but another full training camp under Josh McDaniels' guidance should work wonders for him.
3. Caleb Lomu will be a starter by the bye week
The Patriots got stronger up front, but there are still some doubts and depth concerns. Will Campbell will be in the spotlight from Day 1, Morgan Moses is entering his age-35 season, and Alijah Vera-Tucker has a long history of injuries.
As such, rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu might claim a spot among the five starters sooner rather than later. He's the team's leading swing tackle candidate and the right tackle of the future, and Vrabel hasn't ruled out trying him at guard if depth issues arise.
Lomu has a lot of work to do to justify getting on the field. His work ethic should help him be one of the first linemen off the bench, though, and the Patriots will likely need him by their Week 11 bye week.
4. The Patriots will trade for Maxx Crosby
The Patriots are clearly all-in on Drake Maye. Otherwise, they wouldn't have made the move for A.J. Brown while also bolstering his protection. They know he's the real deal.
This team has some serious doubts in the pass-rushing department. This unit is thin and unproven, and Harold Landry III's health remains a concern. So why not make a run at the best pass rusher potentially available?
Trading for Crosby would come at a steep price, but that's the type of all-in move that teams have to make in the Patriots' situation. They must make the most of Drake Maye's team-friendly rookie deal, especially after he's already taken the team to the Super Bowl.
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