The 2025 Patriots had the NFL’s lowest strength of schedule (.391), but multiple players scoffed at the notion that they’d played a soft slate. Stefon Diggs was the latest following New England’s 38-10 beatdown of the Dolphins, and Drake Maye was also dismissive when asked about it last week.

The Patriots will face several division winners in 2026, including the Broncos, Jaguars, Steelers, and Seahawks. The post Patriots to face 8 playoff teams in daunting 2026 schedule appeared first on Boston.

The Patriots are currently only 3.5 point favorites over the visiting Chargers. The game still needs to be played and anything can happen in the NFL, but this simple advantage goes to the Chargers. The results will show if the Chargers can capitalize on this small added advantage.