The 2026 NFL schedule is here!
On Thursday night, the NFL released the entire slate of games for next season, which includes all 17 of the New England Patriots‘ regular-season matchups.
Here is the full Patriots schedule:
PRESEASON
Week 1: Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts, 7:30 p.m., Thurs. Aug. 13
Week 2: Patriots vs Philadelphia Eagles, 7 p.m., Sat. Aug. 22
Week 3: Patriots at Cleveland Browns, 8 p.m., Thurs. Aug. 27
Week 1: @ Seattle Seahawks
When: Sept. 9 (WED) at 8:20 p.m. ET
A Super Bowl rematch to kick things off! The Patriots and the Seahawks will be facing off in the first game of the regular season, with New England having to watch Seattle raise the banner on Wednesday night.
Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
When: Sept. 20 (SUN) at 1:00 p.m. ET
Last season, the Steelers came to Gillette Stadium in Week 3 and got the win. The Patriots went on to put together an impressive win streak after that, getting 10 victories in a row, but playing Pittsburgh so early will give them a chance to rewrite history and put that disappointing loss truly in the past.
Week 3: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
When: Sept. 27 (SUN) at 1:00 p.m. ET
Both teams have talented quarterbacks, so it will be a true duel between Drake Maye and Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars have a talented roster behind Lawrence as well, but so do the Patriots. This will truly be a game of which teams play better that day.
Week 4: @ Buffalo Bills
When: Oct. 4 (SUN) at 1:00 p.m. ET
The Patriots will face their division rivals early this year, setting the tone for who will likely win the division. And with that, New England will have to go to Buffalo’s new stadium and play in front of Bills Mafia.
Week 5: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
When: Oct. 11 (SUN) at 1:00 p.m. ET
While Las Vegas didn’t have the best 2025 season, they were able to secure the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and got themselves quarterback Fernando Mendoza. So, the Patriots will get to face off against the rookie and see what he can do.
Week 6: vs. Jets
When: Oct. 18 (SUN) at 1:00 p.m. ET
Another divisional matchup so early that will help set the tone, especially heading into a key game against a playoff-caliber team the next week.
Week 7: @ Chicago Bears
When: Oct. 22 (THUR) at 8:15 p.m. ET
Drake Maye vs. Caleb Williams in a primetime game will be must-see television.
Week 8: @ Miami Dolphins
When: Nov. 1 (SUN), 4:25 p.m. ET
Things will be looking a little different in Miami as Tua Tagovailoa is no longer the quarterback, as all signs point to the Patriots defense going up against Malik Willis.
Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers
When: Nov. 8 (SUN) at 4:25 p.m. ET
This will be a fun game to watch as wide receiver Romeo Doubs will be going up against his former team.
Week 10: @ Detroit Lions (Munich, Germany)
When: Nov. 15 (SUN) at 9:30 a.m. ET
The Patriots are headed overseas and will have their hands full when playing the Lions in Munich in Week 10.
Week 11: BYE WEEK
Week 12: @ Los Angeles Chargers
When: Nov. 29 (SUN) at 8:20 p.m. ET
Could this be a teaser for what’s to come? SoFi Stadium is where the Super Bowl will be taking place next season, but the Patriots will head over there earlier for a Week 12 game against the Chargers.
Week 13: vs. Buffalo Bills
When: Dec. 6 (SUN) at 4:25 p.m. ET
Josh Allen vs. Drake Maye PT 2! And depending on how the AFC East is looking, this could be the game that serves as the tiebreaker if needed in deciding the division winner.
Week 14: vs. Minnesota Vikings
When: Dec. 10 (THUR) at 8:15 p.m. ET
The Vikings signed Kyler Murray this offseason, but they also still have J.J. McCarthy. So, who will be at quarterback when the arrived in Foxborough?
Week 15: @ Kansas City
When: Dec. 21 (MON) at 8:15 p.m. ET
Drake Maye vs. Patrick Mahomes will be fun to watch, especially as there will be increased eyes on the Chiefs following Mahomes’ torn ACL that occurred in December.
Week 16: @ New York Jets
When: Dec. 27 (SUN) at 1 p.m. ET
It may be two days after Christmas, but at least this is only a short flight.
Week 17: vs. Denver Broncos
When: TBD
An AFC Championship rematch right before the playoffs will be a fun one.
Week 18: vs. Miami Dolphins
When: TBD
The Patriots will end the regular season against the Dolphins, hopefully having solidified a playoff spot, so they can use this as a week of rest.
Patriots Full 2026 Schedule Revealed: Instant Analysis