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Patriots to face 8 playoff teams in daunting 2026 schedule
The Patriots will face several division winners in 2026, including the Broncos, Jaguars, Steelers, and Seahawks.
The Patriots’ opponents for the 2026 season were finalized this weekend after the division winners in the NFC West, AFC North, and AFC South were all decided.
And while the 2025 Patriots are focused on making the most of this 14-3 turnaround season, a tougher road awaits next season as the reigning AFC East champions.
As a divisional champion, the Patriots are now scheduled to battle against several 2025 division champs next fall — the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North champions), Jacksonville Jaguars (AFC South champions), and the Seattle Seahawks (NFC West Champions).
Those matchups — two of which are against a pair of 14 and 13-win teams in Seattle and Jacksonville, respectively, on the road — will further complicate an already daunting schedule for Mike Vrabel’s team next season.
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Along with two divisional bouts with Josh Allen and the Bills, the Patriots will take on both the AFC West and the NFC North in 2026 — presenting New England with a few more daunting opponents like the Broncos, Packers, Bears, Lions, Chargers, and Chiefs.
Here’s a look at who the Patriots will play next season, split between home and away games:
Home
- Buffalo Bills
- New York Jets
- Miami Dolphins
- Denver Broncos
- Green Bay Packers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Minnesota Vikings
- Pittsburgh Steelers
Away
- Buffalo Bills
- New York Jets
- Miami Dolphins
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Jacksonville Jaguars
A full schedule will be announced in the spring of 2026.
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