The 2026 season is getting closer, and now that rosters are starting to look clearer, record predictions are becoming more relevant. The Patriots have already been dismissed as contenders in 2026, despite shocking everyone by reaching the Super Bowl this past year.
Because of that, they're not predicted to win double-digit games by most analysts, and if that becomes reality, they'll need to look for any small win that they can get, even before the season actually starts.
There are a few factors to look forward to, but perhaps none more than the strong possibility that the Dolphins and Jets won't be dramatically improved and will actually be competitive. Since they play both teams twice a season, that could be four wins on the docket.
Something that could make that even better is the latest projections of which teams will finish last in their division, and the Dolphins are still considered that team in the AFC East. Even better is seeing three of the Patriots' upcoming opponents on the same list, which could be a big part of their success in 2026.
The Patriots might already have more wins to look forward to than any analyst has predicted
While predicting the divisional losers across the NFL, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton chose the Dolphins, Raiders, and the Packers to finish last, and that couldn't be better news for a team like the Patriots, since they are set to embark on one of the most difficult schedules in the entire league.
Going beyond the expected wins in the division will be huge, even if the games against the Raiders and Packers won't be easy. Fortunately, both games will be played at Gillette Stadium, so that's a positive, and if they aren't able to live up to their potential, that only makes it better.
If Moton's predictions are right, there's a good chance that's up to six wins the Patriots could have before the season starts, even if it does feel a bit premature to come to such a conclusion already.
But it's at least something to think about as the season that has most fans concerned about how well the Patriots will play.
Obviously, we won't know if these predictions will be true until the season is underway, and even then, there's a reason for the saying "Any given Sunday," so nothing is guaranteed.
Yet it is interesting to see teams with a lot of excitement around them already being projected to struggle more than anyone anticipated, and that's something to watch for.
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