New England Patriots 2021 schedule: Dates, times, TV, key games, toughest matchup, season prediction

The excellent dynasty in NFL ancient past came to a conclude final season because the New England Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008 — the first one year head coach Bill Belichick did no longer own Tom Brady as his quarterback. New England, which finished 7-9 final season, went on a spending spree in free agency — including Matt Judon, Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Jalen Mills, Nelson Agholor, David Andrew, Davon Godchaux, Kendrick Bourne, Kyle Van Noy, and Lawrence Man. The Patriots furthermore will own discovered their next franchise quarterback in Mac Jones in the first spherical of the draft, as Jones will compete with Cam Newton for the starting up job. New England is on a vengeance to reclaim the AFC East after having its 12-season division title trot snapped.

Here’s a corpulent rundown of the Patriots’ 17-sport schedule, including key matchups and a season prediction:

2021 Patriots schedule

Patriots key games

• Week 4 vs. Buccaneers: The excellent quarterback in the ancient past of the NFL returns to Foxborough for the first time. Tom Brady, who won six Enormous Bowls in 20 seasons with the Patriots, faces his aged crew in what’s going to be the revenge sport of the season. No wish to claim more as Brady squares off against Belichick. 
• Week 13 at Bills: If the Patriots are going to buy the AFC East throne, this matchup in western New York will be one amongst the must-stumble on games in the division. Buffalo defeated New England 24-21 in Orchard Park final one year en route to the division title. Belichick and the Patriots defense will face a daunting subject against Josh Allen and the dynamic Bills offense. 
• Week 10 vs. Browns:  Baker Mayfield and the resurgent Browns advance to Foxborough, taking a check out to beat the Patriots at New England for the first time since 1992. Since the Browns returned in 1999, they’re 0-4 on the boulevard against the Patriots. Cleveland, a contender for the AFC title, will be fired up for this one — which would perhaps presumably presumably furthermore be a assertion care for for New England if the Patriots can beat the Browns. 

Patriots toughest matchup

Week: 18 | Date: Jan. 9 | Time: 1 p.m.

Opponent: at Miami Dolphins

Even in the dominant years with Belichick and Brady, the Patriots own struggled in Miami. New England has misplaced three of its past four in Exhausting Rock Stadium, including a 22-12 loss in Miami final one year that eradicated New England from the playoffs. If the Patriots are going to reclaim the division title, beating a talented Dolphins crew on the boulevard is a must. 

Patriots projected care for total

2021 file prediction: 9-8

The Patriots spent a range of money in free agency to compete with the Bills and Dolphins in the AFC East, however did they enact ample? New England has Cam Newton because the starter — for now. If the Patriots offense struggles early on, when does Belichick accelerate to Mac Jones? 

Newton has better huge receivers in 2021, however no longer ample to transfer the needle. The Patriots own a troublesome schedule, specifically since the play the AFC East and the Colts and Titans are no longer any pushovers in the AFC South. A a hit file would be ample to get a  playoff berth this one year.