2023 New England Patriots schedule analysis
On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete New England Patriots schedule. Per NFL research, Patriots opponents had a 156-128-3 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule tied for the third-most difficult in the NFL.
Circle the date: Week 1 vs. Philadelphia (Sept. 10)
There's nothing better than starting the season on a positive note and if New England can pull off a victory in this one, it'll be all the more rewarding. The Patriots will be tested right out of the gate with a rematch of Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles, the defending NFC champions.
To add to the opening week festivities, owner Robert Kraft announced on Thursday's "Good Morning Football" that longtime quarterback Tom Brady will return to Gillette Stadium and attend the game. The Patriots plan on celebrating Brady for his 20 unforgettable seasons with the organization in what the Patriots are dubbing the "Thank You Tom Game."
Toughest stretch: Weeks 1-4
The Patriots’ stretch from their Week 11 bye to the end of the season isn’t favorable by any means, but if they don’t emerge from the first month with a respectable record, it will be hard to feel confident about the campaign.
After taking on Philadelphia, New England is slated to play two divisional games, hosting the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 before hitting the road to face the new-look New York Jets in Week 3. Following that Jets contest, the Patriots face another NFC East opponent, traveling to "Jerry World" to face the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 1.
Splitting the matchups between Miami and New York will be crucial for New England, but there is cause for optimism, here. While New York is now led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have not beaten the Patriots since 2015.
Easiest stretch: Week 9-12
It's not easy to pinpoint a comfortable stretch in New England's gauntlet-of-a-schedule, but Weeks 9 through 12 stand out as favorable matchups. New England gets two games against a pair of teams that missed the playoffs last season and will have a much-needed bye week as well.
In Week 9, the Patriots will host the Washington Commanders and unproven QB Sam Howell, then travel to Germany to play the Indianapolis Colts. By that point, rookie QB Anthony Richardson may well have taken over as the Colts’ starter, which would be music to HC Bill Belichick’s ears. Belichick is 23-6 against rookie signal-callers for his career.
Following their Week 11 bye, New England will head back to the Meadowlands, this time taking on the New York Giants. Although the Giants made the playoffs last season, it could be a letdown spot for them, as their bye is scheduled for Week 13.
Most underrated game: Week 6 @ Las Vegas
Last season's game between the Patriots and the Raiders had a truly unforgettable ending, with the Raiders winning on a walk-off fumble return touchdown by Chandler Jones. This year, New England won't just have to face their former offensive coordinator but also the quarterback Belichick at one point pegged as Brady’s heir apparent in Jimmy Garoppolo.
Belichick, who is 18-20 against his former assistants all-time, has yet to beat Raiders HC Josh McDaniels.
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