The New England Patriots kick-start their schedule Sunday, heading on the road to take on the high-powered Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
It's not going to get any easier than that, either.
New England will do a lot of traveling -- hitting the road for games in Arizona, San Francisco, Miami and London, which is good for the fourth-most total miles traveled during the upcoming NFL season. Tennessee, Chicago and Arizona aren't exactly easy last-place draws, either, so breaks are hard to come by.
The Patriots likely aren't too worried about what the ultimate record looks like. Drake Maye's development is the top priority, but in helping him reach his potential there should be a few wins sprinkled throughout the calendar. Let's predict where they'll come from:
Cincy is a tough challenge, even if Ja'Marr Chase will be sitting on his couch for the first few weeks of the season.
Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo might be the scariest early-season matchup possible for the Patriots, as he's known for his ability to disguise blitzes and manufacture pressure on quarterbacks. Chukwuma Okorafor and Nick Leverett could be in for a looooooong afternoon on the left side of the offensive line.
RESULT: L (0-1)
The Seahawks have a major question with Geno Smith, whose amazing bounce-back season in 2022 was followed up by a disappointing 2023. Seattle brought in a defensive-minded head coach in Mike Macdonald, while offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is making the jump from college ball.
The Patriots defense could put together a signature game early in the year, and we expect it to come against the talented -- but flawed -- Seahawks.
RESULT: W (1-1)
Aaron Rodgers is back, and New York will be bumpin' in his first home game since going down with an injury against the Buffalo Bills in his last season opener. The Jets will take this one, extending their winning streak against the Patriots to two.
RESULT: L (1-2)
The 49ers looked to be in trouble for a while there, as Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams each missed training camp due to frustrations with their contracts. San Francisco figured out the financials, though, and both should be ready to go against New England.
It could get ugly.
RESULT: L (1-3)
The Dolphins are due to regress, even with the ungodly amount of money they continue to dish out. Tua Tagovailoa has benefitted greatly from his supporting cast, but for as good as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have been, the offense looks fairly one-dimensional.
The Patriots could steal this one at home, buying Jacoby Brissett a few more weeks under center.
RESULT: W (2-3)
Houston continued to add this offseason, bringing in Stefon Diggs to an offense that already ranked seventh in passing yards last season. Joe Mixon should help the running game improve, while the young Texans defense continues to improve.
New England just doesn't have the horses to keep up.
RESULT: L (2-4)
Trevor Lawrence is entering an important season, as it soon will be time for the Jaguars to decide whether they want to pay him. Jacksonville will be playing its second consecutive game in London, as well, which should give it the upper hand over New England.
RESULT: L (2-5)
The Jets will find a way to lose one of these games, and we feel more comfortable assuming it comes on the road. New York's offensive line is a major question mark, so late October is when we could start to see the wheels fall off for Rodgers -- if he makes it that far.
RESULT: W (3-5)
The Titans really only have one question to answer if they hope to compete in the AFC South: Is Will Levis the real deal? Tennessee should figure out the answer to that question by the midway point of the season, which will play a role in whether we stand by this pick or not.
RESULT: L (3-6)
Caleb Williams vs. Drake Maye would be awesome, but even if we get that matchup the overall outcome shouldn't be much of a question. Chicago and New England will both be good defensively, but D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen are a better trio than DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn and Ja'Lynn Polk.
We know, shocking.
RESULT: L (3-7)
The Rams have consistently been competitive, and the hallmark of their team comes in the form of a dynamic duo at wide receiver. The Patriots might be able to score in this one, but can they keep up with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua?
RESULT: L (3-8)
Miami gets the win back in the middle of a postseason push while New England plays out the string.
RESULT: L (3-9)
Maye should be starting by this point, and we think the Colts are someone he could find plenty of success against heading into an off-week. Indianapolis' defense is suspect, especially struggling on the back end.
Maye and Polk could see their breakout game come in this one.
RESULT: W (4-9)
They can't lose during the BYE!
Arizona is pesky, but they catch New England at a bad time.
The Patriots will be coming off a BYE -- and in this scenario, a win -- with confidence at an all-time high. Kyler Murray found success at Gillette Stadium a few years back, but he's consistently struggled against defenses that make him beat them with intermediate throws.
RESULT: W (5-9)
Josh Allen in a playoff push? It's the Bills.
RESULT: L (5-10)
The Patriots and Chargers memorably played in a snow-filled matchup at Gillette Stadium last season, with minimal fans in the stands. Could we see it happen again? Yes, probably, with LA running the ball upwards of 40 times and stealing another boring win.
RESULT: L (5-11)
The Bills get a second crack at beating the Patriots, but in this scenario we see them having locked up their playoff position. Allen will get the afternoon off, while New England heads into the offseason on a high note.
RESULT: W (6-11)
