The NFL’s full 2026 schedule is set to be released on Thursday, giving Patriots fans a first glimpse at the dates for key matchups this season.
As is tradition, the NFL and reporters have started leaking dates, opponents and locations ahead of the official announcement. New England already knows that it will be heading overseas for an International Game during the 2026 campaign.
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Here is everything we know so far about the Patriots’ 2026 schedule.
Patriots schedule leaks: Latest rumors, newsSuper Bowl 60 rematch
The Patriots will face the Seahawks in Seattle’s first home contest of the 2026 season, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. New England will have an opportunity to get some revenge against the team that crushed its championship dream in Super Bowl 60.
Patriots vs. Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day?
Scott Zolak of 98.5 The Sports Hub says he is hearing that the Patriots will face the Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day at Arrowhead Stadium. The NFL has not yet confirmed that report.
Patriots vs. Steelers Home Opener?
Per Jordan Schultz, the Patriots will play their home opener on September 20 against the Steelers. New England played Pittsburgh at home last September, losing a Week 3 matchup. It was the last loss before winning ten straight.
Thursday Night Patriots
Per Sports Illustrated, the Patriots will play the Vikings in New England on December 10, a Week 14 Thursday night Football matchup.
Patriots vs. Packers
Per Sports Illustrated, the Patriots will face the Packers on November 8 in a Week 9 matchup in New England.
International Game
The Patriots will head to Germany on Nov. 15 to take on the Lions in a Week 10 game. It will be the first matchup between New England and Detroit since 2022.
Patriots home/away opponents
The Patriots will play eight home games and nine away games during the 2026 season. They will play their usual set of AFC East games (Bills, Dolphins and Jets) and face a few notable NFC North and AFC West opponents.
Patriots list of 2026 opponentsHome opponents: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Broncos, Raiders, Packers, Vikings, SteelersAway opponents: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Bears, Lions, Chiefs, Chargers, Seahawks, Jaguars
New England’s 2026 schedule with dates and times for games will be updated below when the NFL reveals the full schedule on Thursday, May 14.
WeekDateOpponentKickoff time (ET)1Sept. 9at Seahawks*8:20 p.m.2Sept. 20vs. Steelers* 3Sept. 27at Jaguars*1 p.m.4 5 6 7 8 9Nov. 8vs. Packers*4:25 p.m.10Nov. 15vs. Lions (Germany)9:30 a.m.11 12 13 14Dec. 10vs. Vikings (TNF)* 15 16 17 18
*Reported but not confirmed by NFL
Patriots 2025 schedule, resultsWeekDateOpponentResult1Sept. 7vs. RaidersL, 20-132Sept. 14at DolphinsW, 33-273Sept. 21vs. SteelersL, 21-144Sept. 28vs. PanthersW, 42-135Oct. 5at BillsW, 23-206Oct. 12at SaintsW, 25-197Oct. 19at TitansW, 31-138Oct. 26vs. BrownsW, 32-139Nov. 2vs. FalconsW, 24-2310Nov. 9at BuccaneersW, 28-2311Nov. 13vs. JetsW, 27-1412Nov. 23at BengalsW, 26-2013Dec. 1vs. GiantsW, 33-1514BYE——15Dec. 14vs. BillsL, 35-3116Dec. 21at RavensW, 28-2417Dec. 28at JetsW, 42-1018Jan. 4vs. DolphinsW, 38-10 More Patriots