The New England Patriots made several significant upgrades this year ahead of what could be a landmark season: the first Super Bowl-winning squad post-Brady. Last year, the team exceeded all expectations.
They not only won the division at 14-3, but also made a Super Bowl appearance with a team thought to be woefully unprepared for any such run at the beginning of the season.
While the squad lost key players like Stefon Diggs, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Jaylinn Hawkins in the offseason, they made numerous major additions to offset those losses. Aside from the landmark trade for A.J. Brown, New England added Romeo Doubs to the receiving corps, Dre'Mont Jones and Gabe Jacas to the edge, and 2025 interceptions leader Kevin Byard to the back end of the defense.
Additionally, the offensive line was upgraded via Alijah Vera-Tucker and Caleb Lomu, while third-round selection Eli Raridon is sure to contribute as the TE2. Given New England's top-ten offense and defense in 2025, their improvements should see them compete once again for a Super Bowl.
Devin McCourty predicts Patriots will play the Rams in the Super Bowl
Former superstar safety Devin McCourty is confident in New England ahead of the 2026 season. The three-time Super Bowl winner won his final Super Bowl against the Rams, a defensive effort in which New England triumphed, 13-3. The three-time All-Pro had two tackles in the game.
Pats vs Rams Super Bowl?
— Devin McCourty (@devinmccourty) June 1, 2026
The Rams look to be a force following a tremendous offseason. After trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson to reconstruct their cornerback room, they sent star pass rusher Jared Verse and three draft picks to Cleveland for Myles Garrett.
The Rams' defense ranked 10th in the league last season and improved drastically with their three marquee additions.
Their offense, which features reigning MVP Matt Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams, scored 30.5 PPG last season, the most in the league and the only team to eclipse the 30 mark.
It won't be easy for New England to return to the Super Bowl, but it's not unreasonable to think they could face the Rams for the third time in Super Bowl history. The Rams currently have the best odds to win the Super Bowl (+600), while the Patriots rank seventh (+770).
Time will tell, but New England could find their way to a seventh Super Bowl will come February.
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