Analyst Picks Patriots to Miss 2026 Playoffs at +184 as 14-3 Season Faces Regression
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 21
Analyst Picks Patriots to Miss 2026 Playoffs at +184 as 14-3 Season Faces Regression
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 21
Summary
New England is projected to miss the 2026 playoffs despite last season’s 14-3 AFC East title, with the analyst calling the Patriots a likely regression team rather than a repeat contender.
The case centers on how 2025 was built on favorable conditions: 13 wins came against losing teams, injuries largely broke their way, and a 29-13 Super Bowl 60 loss to Seattle exposed the roster.
The 2026 path looks much tougher, with road games at Seattle, Jacksonville, Chicago, Detroit, the Chargers and Kansas City, plus home tests against Green Bay, Buffalo and Denver.
Offseason additions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs give Drake Maye more help, but Mike Vrabel’s unresolved off-field scandal and the analyst’s 10-win ceiling suggest New England may still fall short.