The 2026 New England Patriots schedule begins in the preseason on August 13 when the Patriots host the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. From there the full 2026 New England Patriots schedule includes three exhibition games, a 17-game regular season, one bye week, an international contest in Munich, and several primetime windows.
Here is every date, time, network, and venue for the upcoming season.
2026 New England Patriots Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preseason | ||||
| Thursday | Indianapolis ColtsGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 7:30pm ETLocal | ||
| Preseason | ||||
| Saturday | Philadelphia EaglesGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 7:00pm ETNFLN/Local | ||
| Preseason | ||||
| Thursday | at Cleveland BrownsHuntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH | 8:00pm ETPrime Video | ||
| Wednesday | at Seattle SeahawksLumen Field, Seattle, WA | 8:20pm ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Sunday | Pittsburgh SteelersGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | at Jacksonville JaguarsEverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | at Buffalo BillsHighmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | Las Vegas RaidersGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | New York JetsGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Thursday | at Chicago BearsSoldier Field, Chicago, IL | 8:15pm ETPrime Video | ||
| Sunday | at Miami DolphinsHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | Green Bay PackersGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 4:25pm ETFOX | ||
| Sunday | at Detroit LionsFC Bayern Munich Stadium, Munich, Germany | 9:30am ETFOX | ||
| Sunday | OFF | |||
| Sunday | at Los Angeles ChargersSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 8:20pm ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Sunday | Buffalo BillsGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 4:25pm ETCBS | ||
| Thursday | Minnesota VikingsGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 8:15pm ETPrime Video | ||
| Monday | at Kansas City ChiefsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 8:15pm ETESPN/ABC | ||
| Sunday | at New York JetsMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | 1:00pm ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | Denver BroncosGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Sunday | Miami DolphinsGillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
Preseason Results
New England went 1-1-1 in the preseason. The Patriots tied Indianapolis 13-13 at home, beat Philadelphia 24-21, and fell 37-13 at Cleveland on Prime Video. Those games gave the staff a chance to evaluate the roster before the regular season began.
How the Regular Season Looks
The Patriots open the regular season early — on a Wednesday night in Seattle on NBC/Peacock. Home games against Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, and the Jets follow in September and October, along with road trips to Jacksonville and Buffalo. A Thursday night game at Chicago sits in late October.
November brings a road game at Miami, a home date with Green Bay, and an international matchup against Detroit in Munich, Germany. After the November 22 bye, New England travels to the Chargers on Sunday night, hosts Buffalo, and welcomes Minnesota on Thursday Night Football. December closes with a Monday night trip to Kansas City and a road game at the Jets. The final two home games against Denver and Miami remain TBA and could flex to Saturday.
Games That Stand Out
A few dates already feel bigger than the rest. The Wednesday night opener in Seattle sets an unusual early tone. The international game against Detroit in Munich is a clear calendar highlight. Thursday night home against Minnesota, the Monday night trip to Kansas City, and the two meetings with Buffalo will all carry extra weight. Division games against the Jets and Dolphins will again shape the AFC East race.
How to Watch Patriots Games
Most Sunday afternoon games are listed on CBS or FOX. Primetime slots include NBC/Peacock, Prime Video, and ESPN/ABC. The Munich game airs on FOX at 9:30 a.m. ET. The final two home games are still TBA. Preseason used a mix of local, NFL Network, and Prime Video coverage. Check local listings closer to each week for any flexible scheduling changes.
What This Schedule Means for New England
The 2026 New England Patriots schedule offers an early national window, a midseason international game, and a demanding late stretch that includes Kansas City on Monday night. The bye arrives in late November, and the home slate includes several winnable opportunities mixed with tough tests. How the Patriots handle the AFC East games and the tougher interconference matchups will go a long way toward determining their standing.
FAQ
When does the 2026 New England Patriots schedule start?
Preseason begins August 13 against Indianapolis. The regular season opens September 9 at Seattle.
When is the Patriots’ bye week?
New England is off in Week 11 on November 22.
Is there an international game on the schedule?
Yes. The Patriots play the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany on November 15.
How many home games do the Patriots have?
Nine regular-season home games at Gillette Stadium, plus two preseason home contests.
