NFL season preview: What to know about the 2026 Patriots

• But Pats QB Drake Maye, who had a case to win league MVP last season, got reinforcements this offseason that could help him avoid falling short against the Seahawks again.

New year, new stars: New England's most notable addition is superstar receiver A.J. Brown, who the Pats traded for from the Eagles.

• The three-time All-Pro is a weapon unlike any Maye has had in his young career.
• And the Patriots also added Romeo Doubs from the Packers, giving them one of the league's most promising receiver tandems.

Yes, but: There are concerns on the other side of the ball.

• New England lost pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency and didn't add much to replace him. Getting after opposing quarterbacks could be a problem this season.
• Second-round pick Gabe Jacas could eventually help, but he got a late start to training camp after undergoing a knee procedure.

The intrigue: It's no surprise after their Super Bowl run, but the Patriots will be in prime time at least six times this season.

• That includes Wednesday's 8:20pm kickoff on NBC.

Friction point: ESPN projects the Patriots to win 9.3 games this season, a significant dip from last year's 14-3 record.

• The outlet gives them a 59% chance to make the playoffs and about a 30% chance to win the AFC East.

The bottom line: A return trip to the Super Bowl won't be easy, but with Maye, Brown and the young core that brought them there last season, it's unwise to count these Patriots out.