The recent struggles for the New England Patriots can be mostly attributed to the personnel issues that have lingered for years. However, a case could also be made that another reason for those struggles has been due to the ridiculous strength of schedule.
Over the last two seasons, the Patriots have had arguably the toughest regular season schedules in the NFL. It’s never a good sign when a team is projected to have more blowout losses than wins, which was consistently becoming the problem for New England.
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However, that isn’t the case this season with the team finally receiving a blessing from the NFL scheduling gods.
They’ll be entering the 2025 season with one of the easiest schedules in the league and a legit opportunity to turn things around as quickly as the Washington Commanders did last season. The official schedules are slated to release on May 14, but the list of opponents for the Patriots this season has already been made available.
Warren Sharpe calculated the strength of schedule for all 32 NFL teams and put together his annual ranking from easiest to hardest schedule:
Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants
Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to throw against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans
3. New Orleans Saints
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) celebrates with wide receiver Chris Olave (12) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Non-divisional opponents: Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears
4. Atlanta Falcons
Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) reacts with wide receiver Drake London (5) after a reception against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings
5. Buffalo Bills
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 15: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills looks on before a snap in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans
Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) celebrates an interception with cornerback Montaric Brown (30), defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) and defensive end Travon Walker (44) against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals
7. Carolina Panthers
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 10: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on December 10, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers
8. Tennessee Titans
Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns
9. Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 29: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after his team’s 31-17 win against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) catches the game clinching first down late during the fourth quarter as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) defends at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions
11. Arizona Cardinals
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 10: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares for a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys
12. Indianapolis Colts
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 29: Lonnie Johnson Jr. #28 of the New Orleans Saints looks on as Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates with Drew Ogletree #85 of the Indianapolis Colts after Ogletree’s receiving touchdown during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers
13. Seattle Seahawks
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrate after Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders
14. Denver Broncos
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws downfield during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium.
Non-divisional opponents: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, New York Jets
15. Los Angeles Chargers
November 13, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins
16. New York Jets
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) intercepts the ball intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars
17. Cincinnati Bengals
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 16: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 16, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos
18. Las Vegas Raiders
Dec 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) takes the field for a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots
19. Washington Commanders
Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons
20. Los Angeles Rams
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles
21. Baltimore Ravens
Oct 22, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs
22. Dallas Cowboys
Dec 2, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers
23. Green Bay Packers
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) gestures to the fans before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 16, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts during player introductions before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers
25. Houston Texans
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) avoids a tackle by Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart (90) during the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens
26. Chicago Bears
Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in warm ups with head coach Matt Eberflus looking on before a pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers
27. Kansas City Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 19: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts with teammates Eric Fisher #72 and Mitchell Schwartz #71 after a fourth quarter touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills
28. Minnesota Vikings
Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks
29. Philadelphia Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 16: Jalen Hurts #1 and Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles walk off the field against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Non-divisional opponents: Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. Detroit Lions
Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams
31. Cleveland Browns
Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) breaks a block from Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Non-divisional opponents: Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders
32. New York Giants
Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Non-divisional opponents: Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: How Patriots strength of schedule ranks among all 32 NFL teams in 2025
