Of course, some teams improve significantly, while others take a big step-back form one year to the next. However, let's do a quick comparison of New England's opponents, excluding common opponents.
So, AFC East opponents are excluded, along with Pittsburgh and Vegas (Patriots' opponents both seasons)
That leaves 9 games with different opponents.
2025
AFC South (Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa) ... Giants ... Browns ... Bengals ... Titans ... Ravens
... EVERY ONE of those nine teams had a losing record
2026
NFC North (Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Detroit) ... Broncos ... Chargers ... Seahawks ... Chiefs ... Jaguars
... the ONLY ONE of those nine teams that did NOT have a winning record, has Patrick Mahomes at QB
Say it with me Rams' Fans ... Drake Maye for MVP in 2026!!!
So, AFC East opponents are excluded, along with Pittsburgh and Vegas (Patriots' opponents both seasons)
That leaves 9 games with different opponents.
2025
AFC South (Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa) ... Giants ... Browns ... Bengals ... Titans ... Ravens
... EVERY ONE of those nine teams had a losing record
2026
NFC North (Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Detroit) ... Broncos ... Chargers ... Seahawks ... Chiefs ... Jaguars
... the ONLY ONE of those nine teams that did NOT have a winning record, has Patrick Mahomes at QB
Say it with me Rams' Fans ... Drake Maye for MVP in 2026!!!