Patriots Face Tough Start: Colts and Eagles in First Weeks

The New England Patriots are set to defend their AFC championship, but their path could prove tough. FanDuel Sportsbook projects a win total of 9.5 games, down from last year's impressive 14-3 record.

They kick off the season on Thursday, August 13th against the Indianapolis Colts (7:30 p.m.). Week two brings more challenges with a Saturday game against the Philadelphia Eagles at 7 p.m. These Thursday starts will give fans something to look forward to while testing the team early.

How challenging does it get?

Patriots Schedule Highlights

The Patriots hit the road for key games against the Cleveland Browns on August 27th (8 p.m.), followed by matchups with the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers in their first two home games this season.

Next, they travel to play Jacksonville Jaguars on September 27th and face the Buffalo Bills twice in quick succession – both on October 4th and 11th, each also at 1 p.m. These intense mid-season clashes will be crucial in determining whether the Patriots can maintain their winning ways.

Important Games to Watch

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Patriots surpass the projected win total of 9.5?

According to Yahoo Sports, while the expectations are high for a repeat title, achieving these numbers will take resilience and skill.