The New England Patriots had one of the hardest schedules in the league last season, and things could get even worse in 2024 as they embark on the post-Bill Belichick era.
There are no questions regarding the current state of the team. The Patriots are rebuilding and looking to forge a new identity under coach Jerod Mayo and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf. Both men will have to prepare the team to hit the ground running in a murderer’s row AFC East division.
The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets are all possible playoff contenders in 2024. But it isn’t just the division the Patriots have to worry about. Their non-divisional slate is as scary as it’s ever been in recent memory with opponents like the Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans on the schedule.
According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Patriots will have the second-hardest schedule in the NFL behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here’s where the other teams around the league ranked in strength of schedule:
Oct 24, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches the football prior the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 31: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears reacts after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on December 31, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) celebrates a stop on 4th down against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass against the New England Patriots…
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