Patriots announce 2026 schedule

FOXBORO, MA. — The Patriots announced their 2026 schedule with several high-profile matchups, two Thursday night games, and a season opener that immediately puts New England back on the national stage.

The Patriots will open the season on Sept. 9 against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl LX. The game will take place in Seattle and will also mark the first Wednesday regular-season game in franchise history.

New England’s first home game is scheduled for Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. The schedule then shifts into a difficult stretch that includes road trips and multiple games against playoff-caliber opponents.

The Patriots are also expected to receive plenty of national attention this season.

The team is scheduled for multiple primetime appearances, including two Thursday night games. One Thursday matchup is a Week 7 road game against the Chicago Bears. The second is a home game against the Minnesota Vikings in December.

New England will also appear on Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football during the season as the team returns to a larger national spotlight following last year’s Super Bowl appearance.

Another major date on the schedule comes in November when the Patriots head overseas. New England is scheduled to face the Detroit Lions in Germany before entering its bye week.

As always, AFC East rivalry games against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets remain on the schedule and could play a major role in determining the division race later in the season.