The NFL did not make it any easier to predict.
The New England Patriots have the latest possible bye week, confirmed when their 2024 schedule was announced Wednesday night. New England will not have its bye until Week 14.
Given the fact the Patriots have rookie quarterback Drake Maye developing behind center, it was one of the biggest questions ahead of the release. It was thought if the Patriots received a bye week in mid-October or early November, that timeline could coincide with Maye’s debut. It would allow the No. 3 pick to sit for some six, seven or eight games and then have two weeks to prepare for one opponent.