The New England Patriots had a fantastic 2025 season, going from worst to first in the AFC East and finishing with a 14-3 record. After managing a trio of wins in the playoffs, the Patriots fell short in the Super Bowl after a dismal offensive display.
Despite their Super Bowl performance, New England's surge during Mike Vrabel's first season sets a high bar for Year 2. With the additions of players like A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Kevin Byard, the expectation is that the Patriots will compete for a Super Bowl, despite a more difficult schedule (6th-ranked strength of schedule).
While the focus will be on winning as many games as possible, the Patriots could repeat history with another 14-win season, per Mike Reiss.
The Patriots have the chance to make history (again) in 2026
For the first time in a decade, the Patriots won 14 games in 2026. They've won 14+ games in a season just five times since the 16-game season was introduced in 1978, but hitting that mark again in 2027 would resurrect an old feat.
The Patriots have accomplished consecutive 14-win seasons just once in their history: the 2003 and 2004 seasons. In both seasons, the team won the Super Bowl. While they fell short in 2025, a return in 2026 is far from unreasonable, especially if they manage another 14+ win season.
Considering the Patriots' additions this offseason, the team has the firepower to make another Super Bowl push. Brown and Doubs will be the primary outside threats, while Hunter Henry returns to offer a reliable seam threat.
TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson resume their tag-teaming out of the backfield, and Drake Maye's offensive line is much improved.
An offense that averaged 12.5 PPG during the playoffs received major upgrades, while a defense that allowed just 12 PPG during the postseason returns nine of eleven starters. While Patriots fans are already expecting another great season, the rest of the league may still believe their success in 2025 was a function of their schedule.
Drake Maye and Co. aren't a fluke.
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