26 Patriots Predictions For 2026, Including Thanksgiving Game

After some shaky seasons, 2025 was good to the New England Patriots.

They nailed their head coaching hire in Mike Vrabel, found some really valuable pieces in both free agency and the draft, and rode Drake Maye's MVP coattails en route to a home playoff game.

So with the page turned toward 2026, here's a fun little thought experiment on what the new year will bring for the AFC East champions. How many will come true? Let's circle back at this time next year.

Here's 26 predictions for how 2026 will go for the Patriots:

1. The Patriots win 2+ playoff games

Who would have thought this would be atop the list last season? The Patriots were gifted a relatively simple playoff schedule if everything falls in the right direction. Hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card, and should the Bills win as the road favorite in Jacksonville, they'd then host either the Texans/Steelers/Ravens in the Divisional. On paper, it makes sense that New England could easily make the conference title game in year one with Mike Vrabel.

2. Drake Maye wins MVP over Matthew Stafford

Whether it’s Maye’s franchise-best completion percentage (72%), his sky-high total expected points added (150.3) or his 35 total touchdowns, the second-year quarterback has certainly done enough to earn the MVP. Too much has been made out of the weak schedule, and Maye’s ability to impact the game with his arms and legs passes the eye test for the award.

That being said, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 46 touchdowns and 4,708 total yards — even though 15 of those scores came inside the one-yard line. If I had a vote, it would go to Maye. But I don’t. Oh well.

3. Mike Vrabel loses Coach of the Year to either Ben Johnson or Liam Coen

These feel like the three finalists for the award. All coaches are in their first seasons with their teams, leading them to the postseason. While Vrabel’s 14 wins are best in the NFL, it feels like the yearly award will go to one of the candidates out of Chicago or Jacksonville who have never been a head coach at this level before.

4. They’ll add at least one former NFL head coach in some capacity

The Patriots already have plenty of former head coaches in the building. Vrabel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, tight ends coach Thomas Brown (who was an interim with Chicago) and offensive line coach Doug Marrone are all Patriots coaches who led a program elsewhere. Former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo is also the team's senior defensive assistant.

With Black Monday already starting, there may be a new one to add for 2026.

5. One of the team's three coordinators won’t be on the staff at the start of next season

It won’t be Josh McDaniels, but I can see the possibility that either defensive coordinator Terrell Williams or special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer isn’t in New England next year. Williams has been dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis that’s held him out of calling plays since Week 1, and Springer was the one holdover that Vrabel didn’t hire himself.

After a successful year in all three phases, it feels like one of those coaches will be elsewhere in 2026. Should Springer leave, assistant special teams coach Tom Quinn has been with Vrabel for multiple years, dating back to their days in Tennessee.

6. K’Lavon Chaisson earns contract extension

Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (44) reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Chaisson came to New England as a cast-off first round pick who tried to revitalize his career with the Raiders. Playing on a one-year deal, the edge rusher earned himself some money -- recording 31 tackles, 7.5 sacks (good for second-most on the team) and a fumble recovery touchdown.

Whether it's a one-year deal filled with incentives, or a hefty two/three year contract, Chaisson should return next season.

7. The Patriots sign Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce in free agency

The Patriots won’t be overly aggressive in free agency, but will hit on some players that fit their scheme. At the top of that list is Pierce, whose sure hands and deep ball ability is a dream come true for Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye. A 3-year deal worth upwards of $70 million could lure the 1,000-yard receiver to New England.

8. They make major push to sign edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, but it’s ultimately not enough

Hendrickson seems to be the biggest defensive free agent on the market when free agency rolls around in March. He feels like a perfect fit, as the Patriots could use a defensive end like Hendrickson in their physical defense.

It feels too good to be true though, as the Bengals star will get a hefty payday … just a little bit more than what the Patriots are willing to dish out.

9. Patriots Hall of Fame senior committee inducts a key member of the 1985 conference championship team

It comes up every year, but the logjam to get into the Patriots Hall of Fame is getting too backed up to continue the current process. With the start of the dynasty-era players getting inducted, it’s time for more of a consideration for the pre-2000s players and coaches.

Just one year after the 40th anniversary of the Patriots’ 1985 team, I think the Hall’s senior committee (who votes every few years for an inductee) will vote to induct either head coach Raymond Berry or tight end Russ Francis — two Patriots whose inductions are very overdue.

10. Jahlani Tavai becomes cap casualty/offseason trade chip

Before his first season as the head coach, Mike Vrabel cleared most of the house that was left over from the Bill Belichick/Jerod Mayo eras. One of the holdovers who remains was Tavai, who had inked a contract extension before 2024. Now heading into his seventh season with the team, it feels like the team would feel comfortable moving off of his deal.

Should he be traded after June 1st, the Patriots would save roughly $4 million.

11. Edge rusher/outside linebacker will be the Patriots’ first position drafted

Whether they want to trade up for a game wrecker like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr, or want to stay put and draft Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas, the first pick will certainly be an edge rusher.

Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson were good at getting to the quarterback, but the Patriots are still missing that dominant pass rusher off the edge. This pick will fix that.

12. A serious effort for a productive backup tight end (either in free agency or the draft) will be made

Austin Hooper is hitting free agency, and Hunter Henry just turned 31. With promising tight ends hitting the open market and the draft board, it’s safe to assume they’ll add a new face at the position to help improve their depth.

Pending free agent Isaiah Likely, and incoming rookies Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) and Oscar Delp (Georgia) all players who could make an impact in New England’s offense.

13. The front office will draft/sign at least one player from North Carolina, and the Bill Belichick discourse will begin again

Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick prepares to call a timeout in the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

This feels like it’s destined to come true. It might not be with a draft pick, but one of Belichick’s Tar Heels will find his way into New England for the start of training camp. Of course, this will lead to the discussion about Patriots scouts reportedly being banned from UNC’s facility, or a very awkward press conference where the rookie has to answer for the fanbase’s newly-formed Belichick vs Patriots rivalry.

14. Drake Maye throws out the first pitch at a Red Sox game at some point

Wouldn’t this be fun? DeMario Douglas threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park last season, so you’d think the Red Sox would want to get the region’s best young athlete on the mound as well.

For a pitch prediction, I say a 70-mile-per-hour fastball, just high of the strike zone.

15. An newish uniform combination will be worn at some point

The Patriots just broke out the Nike Rivalries uniform, so those will certainly make a return in 2026. But it’s also going to be the 30th anniversary of the Super Bowl XXXI team, the second time a New England squad made the game. Maybe a new uniform — or a new jersey/pants combination — to pay homage to 1996.

16. Patriots and Saints will play in Hall of Fame Game after Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft and Drew Brees all get inducted

New England hasn’t played in this game since 2000, but with the impending induction of two legends (they should both get in together), the Patriots feel destined to play in this game.

As for who they may play, New Orleans Saints great Drew Brees was named a finalist. That would make for a fun preseason opener in Canton, Ohio.

17. The entire starting offensive line remains the same

The Patriots' offensive line has been one of the biggest surprise stories of the year. Adding four new starters to protect Drake Maye has done wonders for the offense, and all of them aren’t hitting free agency in 2026.

Barring injury (or a roster move that comes out of nowhere), the grouping of Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses will remain next year.

18. Injured undrafted free agent Brock Lampe wins the fullback job

Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots fullback Brock Lampe (46) warms up during the stretching period at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Lampe was one of college football’s best fullbacks for Northern Illinois, playing in 47 consecutive games before signing an undrafted free agent contract with New England.

In July, he suffered a lower-body injury that put him in a cast. As a result, tight end Jack Westover cross-trained at the position to be the Patriots’ fullback. Should Lampe recover and be healthy going into the summer, the excellent run blocker will make the Week 1 roster.

19. Barring a Super Bowl banner raising at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots will open up the regular season on the road at Buffalo’s new stadium

If the Patriots win the Super Bowl and raise their seventh banner on opening night, disregard this. If they don’t, a primetime matchup against the Bills in their newly-built Highmark Stadium would be a fantastic way to kick off the 2026 season.

20. Lions host Patriots — wearing red throwbacks — on Thanksgiving afternoon

In 2000, and 2002, and 2010, the Lions and Patriots played on Thanksgiving in Detroit. It’s been long enough — let’s get both sides to strap on their throwback uniforms and battle it out for some turkey.

The last Thanksgiving appearance for New England was against Minnesota in 2022, resulting in a 33-26 loss.

21. The team will take a trip overseas for the second time in four seasons

What better way for the NFL to market its newest superstar than by sending him abroad? The Patriots have major international fanbases in Germany and Brazil, and after playing in Frankfurt in 2023, a trip to São Paulo (or Rio de Janeiro) could be next. Miami’s got marketing rights in Brazil as well, so that could be the opposing team.

22. Stefon Diggs is voted captain, but takes a step back statistically

It was surprising that Diggs wasn’t voted a captain this past year, considering how vocal he was all summer. Without the “C” patch on his uniform, he became Drake Maye’s security blanket, grabbing 85 balls and 1,013 yards.

Will those numbers replicate in 2026? Probably not. He will be one of the team’s captains (they had six this year), but he won’t crack 1,000 yards in the process. Teams will gameplan more for him, and with potential additions on offense, the ball will be spread out more.

23. Keeper of the Light tradition taken more seriously, becomes iconic staple

Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Former New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski waves to the crowd after ringing the bell before the start of the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

When the team kept losing games at 1 p.m, this new tradition felt manufactured. Whether it was WWE superstar Kofi Kingston or Boston-based comedian Sam Jay, it was hard for Patriots fans to truly cheer for whoever was up on the 22-story-tall lighthouse.

In 2025, they brought out alumni that have a combined 19 Super Bowls with the Patriots — including a major ovation for Rob Gronkowski when he rang the bell on Thursday Night Football. If they can get bigger fan favorites (Matt Light, Danny Amendola, Ty to ring the bell, the tradition can become very popular.

24. Andy Borregales hits two game winners, sets single-season franchise record for fields goals in a season

Stephen Gostkowski's 38 made field goals have stood as the franchise record since 2013, and no kicker has come close. In 2021, Nick Folk kicked 36, but other than that year, it's been a struggle for Patriots kickers to threaten the record. In what will be his second season, Borregales has shown the leg to warrant discussion for a record-breaking campaign.

Oh, and he'll win the Patriots two games in the final moments. Just because he can.

25. Patriots win second-straight division title, split with Bills once again

It feels like the tide has changed in the division. Though the Bills still are a playoff team with championship hopes, the emergence of the Patriots have created a bit of a dilemma at the top of the AFC East.

Both teams are good enough to split their two matchups, and Drake Maye finds a way to clinch his second-straight division crown from Josh Allen and Co.

26. Tom Brady finally calls his first Patriots game as a broadcaster

It has surprisingly been two years without the Patriots Hall of Famer calling his former team’s games. With a successful season of football under their belt, the Patriots will warrant consideration for FOX’s Game of the Week at some point — meaning Brady can make his Patriots broadcasting debut.

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