Analysts project Patriots finish second in AFC East despite roster upgrades

Following a 14-3 season and an appearance in Super Bowl LX, the New England Patriots face tempered expectations for the 2026 campaign. Sporting News analyst Vinnie Iyer projects the team will finish 10-7, ceding the AFC East title to the Buffalo Bills while still securing a postseason berth. Despite the projected regression, the team enters the season with a bolstered offense featuring newly acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown and a returning Drake Maye, who finished as an NFL MVP runner-up last year. Mike Vrabel remains head coach for his second season, leading a roster that also recently extended cornerback Christian Gonzalez. While analysts expect a more difficult schedule and tougher competition to hinder an immediate return to the Super Bowl, the club aims for a second consecutive playoff victory. The Patriots conclude their previous postseason run with a 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

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