Analyst predicts Patriots horror 2026 scenario

Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) and linebacker Justin Strnad (40) tackle New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the first half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots surprised everyone last season, going from a four-win team in 2024 to winning 14 games and making it to the Super Bowl in 2025.

But much was made of the Patriots' soft schedule, which was one of the easiest in recent memory. Well, the NFL fixed that, giving New England a brutal schedule in 2026.

We know that winning 14 games back-to-back is tough, and the Patriots will likely take a step back, but how big a step back?

Well, NFL.com's analysts Ali Bhanpuri and Tom Blair, they see a huge drop-off from Mike Vrabel's team, as both have New England going 8-9 and missing the playoffs.

Brutal.

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Patriots' prediction can't come true

To go from a Super Bowl appearance and 14 wins to eight wins and missing the playoffs is nightmare fuel for the Patriots.

For me, making it back to the postseason and winning a playoff game is an acceptable year after making the Super Bowl, but missing out altogether can't happen.

The Patriots can't afford to regress that much. Yes, winning 10 or 11 games is still a pass mark, but there can't be the monumental drop-off that Blair and Bhanpuri are predicting.

New England has to consolidate what it accomplished last season, not completely flush it all away, which apparently, could be on the cards in 2026.

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