The discourse around the Patriots since their 2026 schedule was announced has centered on the absolute gauntlets they face at the start and end of the season. Not only are they on the road three times in the first four games, and seven of their first 11 games, but they also face some of the top teams in the AFC to end the year, all of whom will likely determine the playoff picture.
The league made sure the narrative that the Patriots have one of the easiest schedules wouldn't be a talking point in 2026, making their path back to the Super Bowl among the most difficult in the league.
They do have a few breaks, however, like a couple of mini byes due to two Thursday Night games, plus an international matchup against the Lions. But they also have another advantage that is going under the radar, facing some big opponents much after their bye week, and it could become a significant factor in how their season ends.
They might have to wait until Week 14, when they face the Vikings, to see the impact, but it'll be worth the wait.
The Patriots can benefit from facing teams that are struggling after early byes
As pointed out by Matt Legros of Patriots Wire, the Patriots have a few games to circle on their calendar they might otherwise have ignored until now.
When they take on the Vikings on Thursday Night Football in Week 14, Minnesota will be eight weeks removed from their Week 6 bye. The following week, they face the Chiefs, who have a Week 5 bye, and when they finish the season against the Dolphins, they'll be 12 weeks removed from their Week 6 bye.
On the surface, it might not seem like a big deal, but we've seen how a team can be negatively impacted by a super-early or late bye week. We witnessed it with the Patriots last year, who had a Week 14 bye, but they got lucky this season with getting one three weeks sooner.
Some of their biggest opponents, however, aren't so lucky, as most have byes in the first six weeks, leaving them with a lot of games to play, and, as we know, the longer the season goes, the more beat-up players get.
That could be a factor in how the Patriots fare against some of their toughest opponents this fall, and it should work in their favor. They will be far more rested and ready to end the year, and it could ultimately be the difference-maker in determining the game.
At that point, they'll need anything to work in their favor, so even if it's something as minor as hoping a team is overly tired, then so be it.
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