When the NFL released the 2026 season schedule, it was clear that the Patriots were in for a rough ride after benefiting from a "historically easy" schedule last year. The first quarter of the year was the complete opposite: the toughest stretch to start a season in 40 years, and they ended the first month 2-2.
They're now set to coast for the next few weeks, even if they have to face the Raiders first, who were undefeated until last week. They have a chance to build a new streak that could seriously reinvigorate their disappointing start to the year.
Last season, they set a new NFL record by going undefeated on the road during the regular season and the playoffs. It was the first time they had done that since 2016, a year that ended in a Super Bowl win over the Falcons.
This year, they can aim to end their home-win streak drought by beating the Raiders on Sunday, starting 2-0 at home for the first time since 2020. If they want to aim even higher, they can hope to go undefeated at home this season, which they haven't done since 2018.
It won't be easy, but they can jump-start their efforts with a win over the Raiders this week and continue their dominance over the Jets in Week 6.
Defending their home stadium might be the Patriots' next big goal
In the years since the Belichick-Brady era ended in New England, Gillette Stadium hasn't always felt like it gave the Patriots home-field advantage. Although things have picked up since Drake Maye was drafted two years ago, with fans showing up in droves to watch a game in Foxboro, the team hasn't defended its home turf all that well.
In fact, they have lost 29 times at home since the 2020 season, going 22-29 during that span.
It's far from ideal, given how beneficial a loud crowd can be in creating a hostile environment for opposing teams at home. So regaining that advantage this year would be a huge boost to the Patriots' current season.
They can start by beating the Raiders on Sunday, though it won't be easy, even with Kirk Cousins under center. He has an explosive offensive roster, most notably tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, along with running back Ashton Jeanty, the first RB taken in last year's draft.
Defensively, Maxx Crosby remains one of the best pass rushers in the game, and based on how he's been used so far, he will almost certainly line up against the Patriots' weakest side of the offensive line, which could create significant problems for Maye.
It'll be a brutal test for right tackle Morgan Moses and backup right guard Ben Brown, and if they aren't successful, it will make it even easier for the Raiders to escape Foxboro with a win, ending the Patriots' chance to start a home win streak.
That would be bad, but losing a game after their impressive win over the Bills last week would be far more devastating.
Building on the momentum they gained from that win will be pivotal for the rest of the season, so a loss to the Raiders, especially at home, would put them back where they were before Week 4. That's not what we need.
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