While there’s a whole lot of uncertainty in New England, the Patriots can hang their hat on one consistent: Bill Belichick. The cornerstone of the Patriots dynasty will still be manning the sideline this season. So, while Tom Brady’s subtraction will certainly hurt, there’s reasons to be optimistic that Belichick can team up with sophomore quarterback Jarrett Stidham to guide the Patriots to the postseason.
Of course, in order to make their 12th-straight playoff appearance, the New England Patriots will have to battle through a tough schedule in 2020. We predicted each of their regular season contests below.
Week 1: Miami Dolphins
When these teams met in Week 17 last season, the Dolphins pulled off a stunner by winning their first game in New England in 11 years. We’re not expecting a repeat. Even if Miami decides to use up some of their FitzMagic early in the 2020 season, we don’t think it will have much of an impact on this game. Win
Week 2: @ Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks home opener coupled with Stidham’s first career road starter likely spells doom for the Patriots. Loss
Week 3: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders haven’t topped the Patriots since 2002, and the organization has as many questions marks at quarterback as the Patriots. If you compare the rest of the roster, it’s clear New England has the superior team. Win
Week 4: @ Kansas City Chiefs
Things didn’t go so well for New England when these teams met last December. This time, the Patriots will be playing on the road and (obviously) they’ll be without their star quarterback. Loss
Week 5: Denver Broncos
The Broncos will be required to play an east-coast game at 1 p.m. ET. Plus, the Broncos really shouldn’t be that intimidating of an opponent, regardless of the location. Win
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: San Francisco 49ers
After winning the NFC in 2019, Jimmy G. will go back to where it all started. Belichick has a whole lot to prove this season, and you can bet he’ll be pining for a win over his former prospect. Plus, New England will be rested off a bye week. Win
Week 8: @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills haven’t topped the Patriots since 2016, and they haven’t beaten their rival in Buffalo since 2011. However, this Bills squad could easily emerge as the best team in the AFC East. While the games between these opponents should be competitive, we’ll give the upper hand to the home team. Loss
Week 9: @ New York Jets
Over the past two seasons, these two teams have met twice in New York, with the Patriots outscoring the Jets by a score of 60-13 (both NE wins). This is a great opportunity for New England to snap out of their road funk. Win
Week 10: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens easily topped the Patriots when these two teams met last season in Baltimore. Since then, Baltimore has loaded up while New England seems prime for a retooling season. Loss
Week 11: @ Houston Texans
Bill O’Brien managed to earn his first win over Belichick last season in Houston, and this time he’ll be facing an inferior squad. Loss
Week 12: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are an up-and-coming team…and those are the types of squads that Belichick tends to destroy. Expect Kyler Murray to struggle against the New England defense. Win
Week 13: @ Los Angeles Chargers
The last time the Chargers beat the Patriots was in 2008…when Matt Cassel was filling in for an injured Brady. The Chargers have undergone a makeover of their own, but their losing ways vs. New England will likely continue. Win
Week 14: @ Los Angeles Rams
We’ll finally get a rematch of Super Bowl LIII, but things will look a whole lot different for both teams. This time around, the Rams appear to have the superior team, and they’re playing at home. Loss
Week 15: @ Miami Dolphins
The Patriots may be 2-5 in their last seven visits to Miami, but they did earn a victory last year. Assuming Tua Tagovailoa is under center for the Dolphins at this point, Belichick shouldn’t have a problem topping a rookie quarterback. Win
Week 16: Buffalo Bills
By this point of the season, the Bills could have the division wrapped up, while the Patriots will be battling for their playoff lives. Factor in the late-season weather in New England, and the home team should emerge with the victory. Loss
Week 17: New York Jets
The Jets haven’t won in New England since 2011, and they’ve only managed to put up 26 totals points in their last four visits. Win
I have the Patriots going 9-7, which would be their worst record since 2002. However, when you consider that the organization is drastically retooling (while also being armed with a boatload of cap space next offseason), this is more of an indicator that New England could return to contender status in 2021-22.
