Three predictions for the New England Patriots' 2025 schedule including Mike Vrabel's homecoming

The NFL will officially be releasing the schedule for the 2025 season on Wednesday, which means that the New England Patriots will be back on the field in no time. 

There are so many questions remaining about the 2025 version of this team, and while the opponents are set, the order has yet to be determined. 

So, before the official release, let’s make some predictions…

Prediction #1: Mike Vrabel's return to Tennessee gets a Primetime slot

It's very fitting that the Patriots are set to travel to Tennessee to face off against the Titans in Mike Vrabel's first season as head coach in New England. 

And considering Vrabel was head coach there for six seasons, from 2018 to 2023, this is going to be one that a lot of people will be interested in. 

Based on what happened with the Patriots these last two seasons, it's not likely they will be getting many primetime games, regardless of Drake Maye's potential and their offseason acquisitions. But this is one that might be too much for even the NFL to ignore. 

Plus, Maye vs. 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward...

Prediction #2: Michael Penix Jr. vs. Drake Maye on Thursday Night Football 

A battle of the 2024 first round quarterbacks. 

Maye was selected by the Patriots with the third overall pick, while Penix Jr. was taken by the Falcons with the eighth overall pick. This would be the perfect option for a Thursday night showdown, getting the week started with a solid quarterback duel. 

The 2025 season will also be Maye and Penix's first full season as the starter, with both having began last season as the backups to the veteran quarterbacks on the roster. 

Prediction #3: Patriots face-off against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 with a playoff spot on the line 

While the Buffalo Bills are the clear favorites to win the division, some have the Patriots as a potential contender for a wild card spot. And if that's the case, the final game of the season is going to be huge. 

While they could put them against fellow division rivals such as the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets, it seems most likely they would want a competitive game. And this is a likely way to get that.