Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Patriots Get Encouraging Projection After Schedule Release

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Daniel Arwas | Last updated May 15, 2025 4:22 PM ET

The New England Patriots came within one game of obtaining the #1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft; were it not for a spectacular end of season performance from former quarterback, Joe Milton, they would have found themselves with the pick of the litter come last month's selection process.

However, after an encouraging offseason that included a strong draft and some nifty free agent acquisitions, the outlook is substantially more optimistic for the Patriots going into their first year under new head coach, Mike Vrabel.

So much so that according to Yahoo's senior sports betting analyst, Ben Fawkes, reports that the Patriots are favored in 11 games after Wednesday's schedule release.

Games New England Patriots were favorites in 2024-25 season: 0

Games New England Patriots are favored in 2025-26 season: 11
— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) May 15, 2025

"Games New England Patriots were favorites in 2024-25 season: 0" Fawkes posted on X.

"Games New England Patriots are favored in 2025-26 season: 11"

Now, game predictions in May often mean very little for games that are played after the first week or two of the season, as injuries accumulate and the actual capabilities of each team begin to take shape.

However, fans have a fairly accurate gist of how good teams will be prior to the season. The Titans, Patriots and Giants were all believed to be amongst the league's worst in 2024, and all subsequently ended up with top five picks in the draft.

New England is a slightly tougher case to call; Vrabel and quarterback, Drake Maye have the potential to be competitive in a slightly rocky AFC East - beyond the high-flying Buffalo Bills.

Yet, much of the Patriots' roster is very new - and not all of their draft picks and free agency pickups will work out. The hype train is real for Vrabel and co., but will the regular season match the offseason excitement?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: