As most Patriots fans know at this point in the 2025 season, the team has been the subject of much criticism over the strength of its schedule and how that has led to their first winning season in four years. It has become a growing narrative to downplay what they have accomplished, especially Drake Maye, so surely those doubters will be happy that their 2026 slate of opponents is expected to be much more difficult, at least on paper.
That is the future the Patriots are facing, as the winners of the AFC East, a feat they haven't accomplished since Tom Brady was under center.