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2026 New England Patriots season

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2026 New England Patriots season
OwnerRobert Kraft
General managerEliot Wolf (de facto)
PresidentJonathan Kraft
Head coachMike Vrabel
Offensive coordinatorJosh McDaniels
Defensive coordinatorZak Kuhr
Home stadiumGillette Stadium
Results
Record4–3
Division place2nd AFC East
Uniform
Image

The 2026 season is the New England Patriots' 57th in the National Football League (NFL), their 67th overall, their third under de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and their second under head coach Mike Vrabel. With a Week 2 home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots became the first team originating in the American Football League to reach 600 lifetime wins. However, they failed to match on their 14–3 record from the previous season following a week 7 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Roster changes

[edit]

Free agency

[edit]

Unrestricted

[edit]
Position Player 2026 team Date signed Contract
LB K'Lavon Chaisson Washington Commanders March 13, 2026[1] 1 year, $11 million[2]
S Jaylinn Hawkins Baltimore Ravens March 12, 2026[3] 2 years, $10 million[4]
TE Austin Hooper Atlanta Falcons March 12, 2026[5] 1 year, $3.25 million[6]
OT Vederian Lowe San Francisco 49ers March 12, 2026[7] 2 years, $9.25 million[8]
OT Thayer Munford
DT Khyiris Tonga Kansas City Chiefs March 12, 2026[9] 3 years, $21 million[10]

Restricted

[edit]
Position Player 2026 team Date signed Contract
CB Alex Austin Miami Dolphins March 12, 2026[11] 1 year, $1.22 million[12]
QB Tommy DeVito New England Patriots March 6, 2026[13] 2 years, $4.4 million[14]
OT Yasir Durant
LB Jack Gibbens Arizona Cardinals March 16, 2026[15] 2 years, $7.5 million[16]
DT Jaquelin Roy

Exclusive Rights

[edit]
Position Player 2026 team Date signed Contract
DT Isaiah Iton New England Patriots July 20, 2026[17] 1 year, $885,000[18]
RB Deneric Prince
TE Jack Westover New England Patriots April 21, 2026[19] 1 year, $1.075 million[20]

Signings/waiver claims

[edit]
Position Player Previous team Date signed Contract
LB Jesse Luketa Los Angeles Rams March 5, 2026[21] 1 year, $1.145 million[22]
S Mike Brown Tennessee Titans March 12, 2026[23] 1 year, $1.315 million[24]
S Kevin Byard Chicago Bears 1 year, $7 million[25]
WR Romeo Doubs Green Bay Packers 4 years, $68 million[26]
FB Reggie Gilliam Buffalo Bills 3 years, $10.8 million[27]
TE Julian Hill Miami Dolphins 3 years, $15 million[28]
LB Dre'Mont Jones Baltimore Ravens 3 years, $36.5 million[29]
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker New York Jets 3 years, $42 million[30]
LB K.J. Britt Miami Dolphins March 16, 2026[31] 1 year, $1.4025 million[32]
LS Niko Lalos New Orleans Saints 1 year, $1.005 million[33]
OT James Hudson New York Giants March 23, 2026[34] 1 year, $1.4025 million[35]
CB Kindle Vildor Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1 year, $1.4025 million[36]
TE Mitch Van Vooren Cleveland Browns July 22, 2026[37] 1 year, $885,000[38]
DT Casey Rogers New York Giants August 3, 2026[39] 1 year, $1.005 million[40]
WR Tejhaun Palmer Arizona Cardinals August 4, 2026[41] 1 year, $885,000[42]
LS Niko Lalos New Orleans Saints August 10, 2026[43] 1 year, $1.005 million[33]
RB Hassan Haskins Los Angeles Chargers August 12, 2026[44] 1 year, $1.145 million[45]
RB JaMycal Hasty Miami Dolphins August 13, 2026[46] 1 year, $1.215 million[47]
OG Darrian Dalcourt Cleveland Browns August 15, 2026[48] 1 year, $885,000[49]
C Joe Michalski Denver Broncos 1 year, $885,000[50]
OG Greg Van Roten New York Giants August 18, 2026[51] 1 year, $3 million[52]
OG Jack Conley Cleveland Browns August 24, 2026[53] 1 year, $885,000[54]
P Matt Haack Washington Commanders 1 year, $1.3 million[55]
TE Cameron Latu Philadelphia Eagles August 31, 2026[56] 1 year, $1.005 million[57]
LB Darius Muasau New York Giants 2 years, $2.265 million[58]
C Ben Brown New England Patriots September 1, 2026[59] 2 years, $3.84 million[60]
DT DaQuan Jones Buffalo Bills September 12, 2026[61] 1 year, $3.5 million[62]
OG Matt Pryor Arizona Cardinals October 1, 2026[63] 1 year, $1.3 million[64]

Releases/waivers

[edit]
Position Player Date released/waived
RB Antonio Gibson February 23, 2026[65]
WR Stefon Diggs March 11, 2026[66]
LB Anfernee Jennings
LB Jahlani Tavai
QB Joshua Dobbs March 23, 2026[34]
WR John Jiles April 27, 2026[67]
TE Marshall Lang
RB Elijah Mitchell April 28, 2026[68]
LS Niko Lalos May 20, 2026[69]
DT Travis Shaw July 17, 2026[70]
FB Brock Lampe July 22, 2026[71]
OT Sebastian Gutierrez July 25, 2026[72]
LB Otis Reese July 31, 2026[73]
TE Jeremiah Franklin August 4, 2026[41]
DT David Blay Jr. August 7, 2026[74]
RB Myles Montgomery August 12, 2026[44]
LS Niko Lalos August 15, 2026[48]
TE Mitch Van Vooren August 18, 2026[51]
CB Kenneth Harris August 24, 2026[53]
WR Kobe Prentice
RB Hassan Haskins August 29, 2026[75]
LB K.J. Britt August 31, 2026[56]
C Ben Brown
P Bryce Baringer October 26, 2026[76]

Trades

[edit]

Draft

[edit]
2026 New England Patriots draft selections
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
128 Caleb LomuOTUtahFrom Texans via Bills
255 Gabe JacasLBIllinoisFrom Chargers
395 Eli RaridonTENotre Dame
5171 Karon PruntyCBWake Forest
6196 Dametrious CrownoverOTTexas A&MFrom Colts via Vikings, Panthers and Jaguars
212 Namdi ObiazorLBTCU
7234 Behren MortonQBTexas TechFrom Vikings
245 Jam MillerRBAlabamaFrom Rams via Texans and Jaguars
247 Quintayvious HutchinsLBBoston College
2026 New England Patriots undrafted free agents
Name Position College Ref.
Tanner Arkin TE Illinois [81]
David Blay Jr. DT Miami (FL)
Channing Canada CB TCU
Nick DeGennaro WR James Madison
Kyle Dixon WR Culver–Stockton
Cameron Dorner WR North Texas
Kenneth Harris CB Oklahoma State
Khalil Jacobs LB Missouri
Jimmy Kibble WR Georgetown
Myles Montgomery RB UCF
JonDarius Morgan OG UAB
Jacob Rizy C Florida State
Xavier Holmes LB James Madison [82]
Peter Manuma S Hawaii
Travis Shaw DT Texas [83]
Riley Wilson LB Arizona [84]
Jeremiah Franklin TE Boston College [85]
Kobe Prentice WR Baylor [86]
Eric Butler S San Diego State [74]
Erick Hunter LB Morgan State [87]

Staff

[edit]
New England Patriots staff
Front office
  • Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
  • President – Jonathan Kraft
  • Executive vice president of player personnel – Eliot Wolf
  • Vice president of player personnel – Ryan Cowden
  • Vice president of football administration – Matt Groh
  • Senior personnel executive – Alonzo Highsmith
  • Director of pro personnel – AJ Highsmith
  • Assistant director of pro personnel – Sam Fioroni
  • Director of college scouting – Tony Kinkela
  • Assistant director of college scouting – Matt Evans
  • Director of player development – James Mitchell
  • Director of research – Richard Miller
  • Director of football operations – Bobby Brown
  • Scouting administration coordinator – Courtney Weiner
  • Personnel coordinator – Brian Smith
Football operations and strategy
  • Vice president of football operations and strategy – John Streicher
  • Director of coaching analytics – Ekene Olekanma
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
  
Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Zak Kuhr
  • Defensive line – Clinton McMillan
  • Outside linebackers – Mike Smith
  • Inside linebackers – Vinny DePalma
  • Cornerbacks – Justin Hamilton
  • Secondary – Scott Booker
  • Defensive analyst – Shane Bowen
  • Defensive assistant – B.J. Edmonds
  • Defensive assistant – Kevin Richardson
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
  • Director of sports performance – Frank Piraino
  • Strength and conditioning – Brandon Martuccio
  • Strength and conditioning – Deron Mayo
  • Strength and conditioning – Brian McDonough

→ Coaching staff
→ Front office
→ More NFL staffs

Current roster

[edit]
New England Patriots roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams (ST)

 Practice squad

Reserve

Preseason

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 13 Indianapolis Colts T 13–13 0–0–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 August 22 Philadelphia Eagles W 24–21 1–0–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
3 August 27 at Cleveland Browns L 13–37 1–1–1 Huntington Bank Field Recap

Regular season

[edit]

Schedule

[edit]
Week Date Time (ET) Opponent Result Record Venue Network Recap
1 September 9 8:20 p.m. at Seattle Seahawks L 10–13 0–1 Lumen Field NBC Recap
2 September 20 1:00 p.m. Pittsburgh Steelers W 20–3 1–1 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
3 September 27 1:00 p.m. at Jacksonville Jaguars L 6–35 1–2 EverBank Stadium CBS Recap
4 October 4 1:00 p.m. at Buffalo Bills W 29–26 2–2 Highmark Stadium CBS Recap
5 October 11 1:00 p.m. Las Vegas Raiders W 45–17 3–2 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
6 October 18 1:00 p.m. New York Jets W 26–19 4–2 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
7 October 22 8:15 p.m. at Chicago Bears L 24–30 4–3 Soldier Field Prime Video Recap
8 November 1 4:25 p.m. at Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium CBS
9 November 8 4:25 p.m. Green Bay Packers Gillette Stadium Fox
10 November 15 9:30 a.m. at Detroit Lions Germany Allianz Arena (Munich) Fox
11 Bye
12 November 29 8:20 p.m. at Los Angeles Chargers SoFi Stadium NBC
13 December 6 4:25 p.m. Buffalo Bills Gillette Stadium CBS
14 December 10 8:15 p.m. Minnesota Vikings Gillette Stadium Prime Video
15 December 21 8:15 p.m. at Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium ESPN/ABC
16 December 27 1:00 p.m. at New York Jets MetLife Stadium CBS
17 January 2/3/4 TBD Denver Broncos Gillette Stadium TBD
18 January 9/10 TBD Miami Dolphins Gillette Stadium TBD

Notes

  • Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
  • Networks, dates and times from Weeks 12–16 are subject to change as a result of flexible scheduling.[88]
  • The date, time and network for Week 17 will be finalized by no later than the end of Week 15.[89]
  • The date, time and network for Week 18 will be finalized at the end of Week 17.[88]

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 1: at Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

NFL Kickoff

Week 1: New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 7 3010
Seahawks 0 0 31013

at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • NE – Andy Borregales 50-yard field goal, 11:49. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:11.
  • SEA – Jason Myers 30-yard field goal, 3:13. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 3:40.

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Jaxon Smith-Njigba 45-yard pass from Drew Lock (Jason Myers kick), 11:28. Tied 10–10. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 2:44.
  • SEA – Jason Myers 26-yard field goal, 5:50. Seahawks 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:30.

Top passers

  • NE – Drake Maye – 23/33, 178 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • SEA – Drew Lock – 16/22, 187 yards, TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • NE – Mack Hollins – 4 receptions, 51 yards
  • SEA – Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 8 receptions, 122 yards, TD

This game served as a rematch of Super Bowl LX and was the first NFL Kickoff Game that was a Super Bowl rematch since 2016, although Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was injured in his first possession and was replaced by Drew Lock. After securing a 10–0 lead early in the third quarter, the Patriots collapsed by allowing 13 unanswered points. The Patriots ultimately lost to the Seahawks for the fifth straight time, having last defeated them in Super Bowl XLIX. Consequently, they started their season with a record of 0–1 for the second consecutive year. It is also their first road loss since Mike Vrabel became head coach in 2025. It was the first time this occurred since Week 16 of the 2024 season, snapping a 9-game win streak.

Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 003
Patriots 7 3 3720

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Andy Borregales 30-yard field goal, 14:14. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:56.
  • PIT – Chris Boswell 56-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 0:40.

Third quarter

  • NE – Andy Borregales 45-yard field goal, 0:43. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:29.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Elijah Ponder 19-yard fumble return (Andy Borregales kick), 13:37. Patriots 20–3.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • PIT – Jaylen Warren – 11 rushes, 43 yards
  • NE – TreVeyon Henderson – 16 rushes, 76 yards, TD

Top receivers

With the win, the Patriots improved to 1–1 for the third consecutive season. They also secured both their first home opening win since 2020, and their 600th win in team history.

Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]
Week 3: New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 036
Jaguars 0 14 14735

at EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • JAX – Josh Cameron 12-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Cam Little kick), 13:25. Jaguars 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 5:27.
  • NE – Andy Borregales 35-yard field goal, 9:09. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:55.
  • JAX – Jakobi Meyers 10-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Cam Little kick), 4:23. Jaguars 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:46.

Third quarter

  • JAX – Parker Washington 17-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Cam Little kick), 1:08. Jaguars 21–3. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 8:42.
  • JAX – Chris Rodriguez Jr. 5-yard run (Cam Little kick), 0:50. Jaguars 28–3. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:04.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Andy Borregales 40-yard field goal, 13:17. Jaguars 28–6. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 2:33.
  • JAX – Bhayshul Tuten 1-yard run (Cam Little kick), 8:02. Jaguars 35–6. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 5:15.

Top passers

  • NE – Drake Maye – 14/25, 199 yards, 2 INT
  • JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 19/29, 182 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • NE – TreVeyon Henderson – 8 rushes, 23 yards
  • JAX – Bhayshul Tuten – 15 rushes, 73 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • NE – Mack Hollins – 6 receptions, 87 yards
  • JAX – Jakobi Meyers – 7 receptions, 64 yards, TD

With an abysmal loss, New England fell to 1–2 for the sixth season in a row, marking their third road loss to the Jaguars since 2018. This also marked the first time since Week 18 of 2023 that the Patriots failed to score a touchdown.

Week 4: at Buffalo Bills

[edit]
Week 4: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 7 7829
Bills 0 17 0926

at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • BUF – James Cook 8-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 14:15. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 7:46.
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 1-yard run (Andy Borregales kick), 5:38. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:43.
  • BUF – Josh Allen 2-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 1:00. Tied 14–14. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:38.
  • BUF – Tyler Bass 27-yard field goal, 0:02. Bills 17–14. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, 0:03.

Third quarter

  • NE – Romeo Doubs 2-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andy Borregales kick), 8:15. Patriots 21–17. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 6:45.

Fourth quarter

  • BUF – Tyler Bass 38-yard field goal, 11:07. Patriots 21–20. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:40.
  • BUF – Keon Coleman 34-yard pass from Josh Allen (pass failed), 4:27. Bills 26–21. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:09.
  • NE – Efton Chism 23-yard pass from Drake Maye (Drake Maye–Rhamondre Stevenson pass), 1:50. Patriots 29–26. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 2:37.

Top passers

  • NE – Drake Maye – 22/37, 269 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • BUF – Josh Allen – 23/33, 253 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • NE – Drake Maye – 8 rushes, 54 yards
  • BUF – James Cook – 12 rushes, 75 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • NE – Hunter Henry – 5 receptions, 62 yards
  • BUF – Keon Coleman – 6 receptions, 116 yards, TD

This game marked both the Patriots' second consecutive road win against the Bills and 2–2 start to a season. They began 1–0 against the AFC East.

Week 5: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

[edit]
Week 5: Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 7 0 3717
Patriots 14 7 141045

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Hunter Henry 11-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andy Borregales kick), 0:24. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 1:28.

Third quarter

  • NE – Kyle Williams 34-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andy Borregales kick), 12:58. Patriots 28–7. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:02.
  • LV – Matt Gay 46-yard field goal, 8:30. Patriots 28–10. Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 1:18.
  • NE – Drake Maye 3-yard run (Andy Borregales kick), 3:10. Patriots 35–10. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 5:20.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Andy Borregales 29-yard field goal, 14:12. Patriots 38–10. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 2:43.
  • LV – Dylan Laube 2-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 10:49. Patriots 38–17. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:23.
  • NE – DeMario Douglas 8-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andy Borregales kick), 6:06. Patriots 45–17. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:43.

Top passers

  • LV – Kirk Cousins – 19/28, 243 yards, TD
  • NE – Drake Maye – 26/34, 374 yards, 4 TD

Top rushers

  • LV – Ashton Jeanty – 10 rushes, 27 yards
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 13 rushes, 64 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • LV – Brock Bowers – 8 receptions, 110 yards, TD
  • NE – Kyle Williams – 3 receptions, 91 yards, TD

With their first win against the Raiders since 2020, the Patriots improved to 3–2 for the second consecutive season and avenged all three of their losses from the 2025 regular season. They also began 1–0 against the AFC West. In addition to this, it was also their highest-scoring game since Week 17 of the 2021 season.

Week 6: vs. New York Jets

[edit]
Week 6: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 3 0 10619
Patriots 7 10 0926

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 18
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 51 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 64,628
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Aditi Kinkhabwala
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Andy Borregales 32-yard field goal, 1:46. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 5:11.
  • NE – DeMario Douglas 9-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andy Borregales kick), 0:14. Patriots 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 1:09.

Third quarter

  • NYJ – Omar Cooper Jr. 48-yard pass from Geno Smith (Jason Sanders kick), 10:24. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 1:24.
  • NYJ – Jason Sanders 36-yard field goal, 4:46. Patriots 17–13. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 3:24.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Hunter Henry 7-yard pass from Drake Maye (kick failed), 14:10. Patriots 23–13. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:36.
  • NYJ – Jason Sanders 40-yard field goal, 7:20. Patriots 23–16. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 3:38.
  • NE – Andy Borregales 27-yard field goal, 1:12. Patriots 26–16. Drive: 13 plays, 51 yards, 6:08.

Top passers

  • NYJ – Geno Smith – 20/30, 252 yards, TD, INT
  • NE – Drake Maye – 18/32, 235 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • NYJ – Omar Cooper Jr. – 6 receptions, 103 yards, TD
  • NE – DeMario Douglas – 7 receptions, 86 yards, TD

With their fourth straight win against the Jets, the Patriots improved to 4–2 for the second consecutive season. They also improved to 2–0 against the AFC East.

Week 7: at Chicago Bears

[edit]
Week 7: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 14 7324
Bears 10 10 7330

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

First quarter

  • CHI – Cairo Santos 43-yard field goal, 9:53. Bears 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:37.
  • CHI – D'Andre Swift 4-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 1:59. Bears 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:13.

Second quarter

  • NE – Drake Maye 7-yard run (Andy Borregales kick), 11:33. Bears 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 5:05.
  • CHI – Cairo Santos 31-yard field goal, 7:04. Bears 13–7. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 4:29.
  • CHI – Luther Burden III 24-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Cairo Santos kick), 0:14. Bears 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:11.
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 48-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andy Borregales kick), 0:00. Bears 20–14. Drive: 2 plays, 66 yards, 0:14.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Colston Loveland 12-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Cairo Santos kick), 9:41. Bears 27–14. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:19.
  • NE – Eli Raridon 30-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andy Borregales kick), 3:46. Bears 27–21. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:55.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – Cairo Santos 58-yard field goal, 1:34. Bears 30–21. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 4:48.
  • NE – Andy Borregales 47-yard field goal, 0:37. Bears 30–24. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 0:57.

Top passers

  • NE – Drake Maye – 24/31, 321 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • CHI – Caleb Williams – 22/33, 308 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • NE – Drake Maye – 4 rushes, 26 yards, TD
  • CHI – D'Andre Swift – 22 rushes, 78 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 5 receptions, 93 yards, TD
  • CHI – Luther Burden III – 4 receptions, 130 yards, TD

With the loss, the Patriots fell to 4–3 for the first time since 2012. They also began 0–1 against the NFC North.

Week 8: at Miami Dolphins

[edit]
Week 8: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 0 000
Dolphins 0 0 000

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Standings

[edit]

Division

[edit]
AFC East
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Buffalo Bills 5 1 0 .833 0–1 3–1 197 171 W2
New England Patriots 4 3 0 .571 2–0 4–1 160 143 L1
New York Jets 2 5 0 .286 0–2 2–2 137 150 L2
Miami Dolphins 1 5 0 .167 1–0 1–3 98 157 W1

Conference

[edit]
AFC
Seed Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[a] Kansas City Chiefs West 5 1 0 .833 3–0 5–0 .375 .333 L1
2[a] Buffalo Bills East 5 1 0 .833 0–1 3–1 .400 .364 W2
3[b] Cleveland Browns North 5 2 0 .714 2–0 3–2 .447 .441 W2
4 Jacksonville Jaguars South 4 2 0 .667 0–1 3–2 .537 .556 L1
Wild cards
5[c] Denver Broncos West 5 2 0 .714 1–1 2–1 .522 .394 W3
6[b][c] Pittsburgh Steelers North 5 2 0 .714 1–1 2–2 .458 .382 W3
7 Cincinnati Bengals North 4 2 0 .667 1–1 3–2 .450 .333 W2
In the hunt
8[d] New England Patriots East 4 3 0 .571 2–0 4–1 .596 .556 L1
9[d] Baltimore Ravens North 4 3 0 .571 0–2 2–2 .417 .321 L2
10 Las Vegas Raiders West 3 4 0 .429 1–1 2–3 .444 .158 L4
11[e] New York Jets East 2 5 0 .286 0–2 2–2 .511 .429 L2
12[e][f] Indianapolis Colts South 2 5 0 .286 1–1 1–4 .533 .269 L3
13[f] Houston Texans South 2 5 0 .286 2–1 2–3 .511 .385 L1
14 Miami Dolphins East 1 5 0 .167 1–0 1–3 .667 .286 W1
15 Tennessee Titans South 1 6 0 .143 1–1 1–4 .439 .286 L1
16 Los Angeles Chargers West 0 6 0 .000 0–3 0–4 .600 .000 L6

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Commanders sign DE K'Lavon Chaisson". www.commanders.com. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  2. ↑ Spotrac. "K'Lavon Chaisson | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Ravens Sign Veteran Safety Jaylinn Hawkins". www.baltimoreravens.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  4. ↑ Spotrac. "Jaylinn Hawkins | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons sign TE Austin Hooper". www.atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  6. ↑ Spotrac. "Austin Hooper | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  7. ↑ "49ers Announce Signing of OL Lowe, OL Toth; Re-Sign TE Tonges". www.49ers.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  8. ↑ Spotrac. "Vederian Lowe | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Five Things to Know About New Chiefs DT Khyiris Tonga". www.chiefs.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  10. ↑ Spotrac. "Khyiris Tonga | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Dolphins sign Austin". www.miamidolphins.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  12. ↑ Spotrac. "Alex Austin | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Patriots re-sign quarterback Tommy DeVito to 2-year deal". www.patspulpit.com. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
  14. ↑ Spotrac. "Tommy DeVito | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Cardinals Load Up On Depth With Jack Gibbens, Andrew Billings". www.azcardinals.com. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  16. ↑ Spotrac. "Jack Gibbens | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Patriots Sign DT Isaiah Iton". www.patriots.com. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Isaiah Iton | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Patriots Re-Sign FB Jack Westover". www.patriots.com. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Jack Westover | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  21. ↑ "Patriots Sign LB Jesse Luketa". www.patriots.com. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  22. ↑ "Jesse Luketa | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Patriots Announce Free Agent Signings". www.patriots.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Mike Brown | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Kevin Byard | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Romeo Doubs | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Reggie Gilliam | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  28. ↑ "Julian Hill | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Dre'Mont Jones | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Alijah Vera-Tucker | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  31. ↑ "Patriots Sign LB K.J. Britt and LS Niko Lalos". www.patriots.com. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  32. ↑ "K.J. Britt | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  33. 1 2 "Niko Lalos | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  34. 1 2 "Patriots Sign T James Hudson III and CB Kindle Vildor; Release QB Josh Dobbs". www.patriots.com. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  35. ↑ "James Hudson | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  36. ↑ "Kindle Vildor | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  37. ↑ "Patriots Sign TE Mitch Van Vooren and LB Riley Wilson; Release FB Brock Lampe". www.patriots.com. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Mitchell Van Vooren | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Patriots Sign DT Casey Rogers". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
  40. ↑ "Casey Rogers | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
  41. 1 2 "Patriots Claim WR Tejhaun Palmer Off Waivers from Arizona; Release Rookie TE Jeremiah Franklin". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 4, 2026.
  42. ↑ "Tejhaun Palmer | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 4, 2026.
  43. 1 2 "Patriots Trade OL Caedan Wallace to the Miami Dolphins; Re-Sign LS Niko Lalos". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  44. 1 2 "Patriots Sign RB Hassan Haskins; Waive-Injured RB Myles Montgomery". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 12, 2026.
  45. ↑ "Hassan Haskins | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 12, 2026.
  46. ↑ "Patriots Sign RB JaMycal Hasty; Place RB Terrell Jennings on Injured Reserve". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  47. ↑ "JaMycal Hasty | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  48. 1 2 "Patriots Make Roster Moves". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 15, 2026.
  49. ↑ "Darrian Dalcourt | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 15, 2026.
  50. ↑ "Joe Michalski | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 15, 2026.
  51. 1 2 "Patriots Sign Veteran OL Greg Van Roten; Release TE Mitch Van Vooren". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  52. ↑ "Greg Van Roten | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  53. 1 2 "Patriots Sign OL Jack Conley and P Matt Haack; Release CB Kenneth Harris and WR Kobe Prentice". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  54. ↑ "Jack Conley | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  55. ↑ "Matt Haack | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  56. 1 2 "Patriots Sign 12 Players to the Practice Squad; Make Additional Roster Moves". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 31, 2026.
  57. ↑ "Cameron Latu | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 31, 2026.
  58. ↑ "Darius Muasau | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved August 31, 2026.
  59. ↑ "Patriots Sign C Ben Brown and LB Erick Hunter to the 53-Man Roster; Announce Additional Practice Squad Moves". www.patriots.com. Retrieved September 1, 2026.
  60. ↑ "Ben Brown | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved September 1, 2026.
  61. ↑ "Patriots Sign Veteran DT DaQuan Jones and Place WR A.J. Brown On IR". www.patriots.com. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
  62. ↑ "DaQuan Jones | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
  63. ↑ "Patriots Sign OL Matt Pryor from the Arizona Practice Squad". www.patriots.com. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
  64. ↑ "Matt Pryor | NFL Contracts & Salaries". spotrac.com. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
  65. ↑ "Patriots Release RB Antonio Gibson". www.patriots.com. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  66. 1 2 "Patriots Trade C Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears; Release WR Stefon Diggs, LB Anfernee Jennings and LB Jahlani Tavai". www.patriots.com. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  67. ↑ "Patriots Release WR John Jiles and TE Marshall Lang". www.patriots.com. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  68. ↑ "Patriots Release RB Elijah Mitchell". www.patriots.com. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
  69. ↑ "Patriots Sign DT Travis Shaw; Release LS Niko Lalos". www.patriots.com. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
  70. ↑ "Patriots Release DT Travis Shaw". www.patriots.com. Retrieved July 17, 2026.
  71. ↑ "Patriots Sign TE Mitch Van Vooren and LB Riley Wilson; Release FB Brock Lampe". www.patriots.com. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
  72. ↑ "Patriots Make a Series of Roster Moves". www.patriots.com. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
  73. ↑ "Patriots Release LB Otis Reese". www.patriots.com. Retrieved July 31, 2026.
  74. 1 2 "Patriots Sign S Eric Butler; Release DT David Blay Jr". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 7, 2026.
  75. 1 2 "Patriots Acquire RB Corey Kiner in a Trade with Arizona; Release RB Hassan Haskins". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
  76. ↑ "Patriots Sign LB Jose Ramirez to the Practice Squad; Release OL Jacob Rizy from the Practice Squad; Release P Bryce Baringer from Injured Reserve List". www.patriots.com. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  77. ↑ "Patriots Trade LB Marte Mapu to the Texans". www.patriots.com. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  78. ↑ "Patriots Acquire WR A.J. Brown in a Trade with the Philadelphia Eagles". www.patriots.com. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  79. ↑ "Patriots Trade WR Kayshon Boutte to the Texans". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 25, 2026.
  80. ↑ "Patriots Make Roster Moves to Reach the 53-Man Roster Limit". www.patriots.com. Retrieved August 30, 2026.
  81. ↑ "Patriots Sign Five of Their Nine 2026 Draft Picks and 12 Rookie Free Agents". www.patriots.com. May 8, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  82. ↑ "Patriots Sign Two Rookie Free Agents". www.patriots.com. May 11, 2026. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  83. ↑ "Patriots Sign DT Travis Shaw; Release LS Niko Lalos". www.patriots.com. May 20, 2026. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
  84. ↑ "Patriots Sign TE Mitch Van Vooren and LB Riley Wilson; Release FB Brock Lampe". www.patriots.com. July 22, 2026. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
  85. ↑ "Patriots Sign TE Jeremiah Franklin; Place WR Jimmy Kibble on Injured Reserve". www.patriots.com. July 24, 2026. Retrieved July 24, 2026.
  86. ↑ "Patriots Make a Series of Roster Moves". www.patriots.com. July 25, 2026. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
  87. ↑ "Patriots Sign C Ben Brown and LB Erick Hunter to the 53-Man Roster; Announce Additional Practice Squad Moves". www.patriots.com. September 1, 2026. Retrieved September 1, 2026.
  88. 1 2 "2026 Flexible Scheduling Procedures and Scheduling for Week 18". NFL. May 14, 2026. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
  89. ↑ "NFL Week 17 Schedule 2026: Games, Times, Matchups & Tickets". NFL. May 14, 2026. Retrieved May 14, 2026.

Notes

[edit]
  1. 1 2 Kansas City wins tie break over Buffalo based on conference record.
  2. 1 2 Cleveland wins tie break over Pittsburgh based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 Denver wins tie break over Pittsburgh based on conference record.
  4. 1 2 New England wins tie break over Baltimore based on conference record.
  5. 1 2 NY Jets wins tie break over Indianapolis based on conference record. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Houston (see below).
  6. 1 2 Indianapolis wins tie break over Houston based on head-to-head victory.
[edit]
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