No one expected the New England Patriots’ 2024 schedule to be a walk in the park. How could they in a division with Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen at quarterback?
And yes, although Tua Tagovailoa has had his fair share of ups and downs, Miami is up to its fins in offensive firepower. Just existing in that division alone will be a problem for first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and company.
But how bad is it, really?
Well, according to NFL analyst Warren Sharp, it’s pretty bad for the Patriots. With the 2024 schedule officially being revealed on Wednesday, it is estimated that the Patriots will have one of the hardest upcoming slate of games of all 32 NFL teams.
Here’s where they ranked in strength of schedule for the regular season:
1
Atlanta Falcons
FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 14: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs drills during OTA offseason workouts at the Atlanta Falcons training facility on May 14, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 9.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Seahawks, Steelers, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Vikings
2
Los Angeles Chargers
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
3
Chicago Bears
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 31: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears reacts after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on December 31, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 8.5
Non-divisional opponents: Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Panthers, Patriots, Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Commanders
4
New York Jets
Aug 22, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) makes a catch in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Corey Ballentine (39) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 9.5
Non-divisional opponents: Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Steelers, Vikings
5
New Orleans Saints
Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) during warmups before the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 7.5
Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Rams, Browns, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Packers
6
Cincinnati Bengals
Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 10.5
Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Patriots, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Titans, Panthers
7
Indianapolis Colts
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 05: Michael Pittman Jr. #11 of the Indianapolis Colts runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 8.5
Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Steelers, Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Broncos, Giants
8
Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 24: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins drops back to pass during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Cowboys 22-20. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 9.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Raiders, Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Browns, Packers
9
Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrates after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 10.5
Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Packers, Jaguars, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Rams
10
Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 24: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers looks to pass during the fourth quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 4.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Cardinals, Bengals, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Bears
11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 03: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 8.5
Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, 49ers, Ravens, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Lions
12
Kansas City Chiefs
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 26: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 11.5
Non-divisional opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Texans, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Bills, 49ers
13
Washington Commanders
ASHBURN, VA – MAY 10: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders attempts a pass during Washington Commanders Rookie Minicamp at OrthoVirginia Training Center on May 10, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 6.5
Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Bears, Titans, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Cardinals
14
Jacksonville Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 17: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after his touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 8.5
Non-divisional opponents: Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Browns, Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Raiders, Eagles
15
Seattle Seahawks
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 7.5
Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Giants, Broncos, Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Falcons
16
Arizona Cardinals
May 10, 2024; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during rookie minicamp at the teams Tempe Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 6.5
Non-divisional opponents: Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Commanders, Chargers, Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Panthers
17
Los Angeles Rams
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 37-14. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 8.5
Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Eagles, Raiders, Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Saints
18
San Francisco 49ers
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 17: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 11.5
Non-divisional opponents: Bears, Lions, Patriots, Jets, Cowboys, Chiefs, Bills, Packers, Dolphins, Vikings, Buccaneers
19
Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 17: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field on December 17, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 34-20. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 10.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Saints, Dolphins, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Eagles
20
New York Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – MAY 10: Wide receiver Malik Nabers #9 of the New York Yankees runs drills during New York Giants Rookie Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 10, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 6.5
Non-divisional opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Vikings, Colts, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Seahawks
21
Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 16: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws the ball during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field on December 16, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 10.5
Non-divisional opponents: Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Buccaneers, Bills, Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Cowboys
22
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) celebrates his sack against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Set. 24, 2023.
Projected win total: 10.5
Non-divisional opponents: Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Lions, Texans, Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, 49ers
23
Buffalo Bills
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 17: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills attempts a pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 10.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Chiefs, Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Ravens, Lions
24
Las Vegas Raiders
Jul 26, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs a drill during training camp at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 6.5
Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Jaguars, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Rams
25
Denver Broncos
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO – MAY 11: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos lines up behind center during Denver Broncos Rookie Minicamp at Centura Health Training Center on May 11, 2024 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 5.5
Non-divisional opponents: Falcons, Panthers, Browns, Steelers, Colts, Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers, Jets, Seahawks
26
Houston Texans
Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes the ball during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 9.5
Non-divisional opponents: Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Chiefs, Cowboys
27
Tennessee Titans
Oct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) catches a pass and looks toward the end zone during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 6.5
Non-divisional opponents: Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Jets, Bengals, Bills, Bears, Lions, Dolphins, Chargers, Commanders
28
Minnesota Vikings
Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 6.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cardinals, Texans, Colts, 49ers, Falcons, Jets, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks, Titans, Giants
29
Baltimore Ravens
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 17: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
Projected win total: 11.5
Non-divisional opponents: Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Bills, Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Texans, Buccaneers
30
Cleveland Browns
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaves the field after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-22 at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 8.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Dolphins, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Jaguars, Saints
31
New England Patriots
Sep 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is sacked for a safety by New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) in the 4th quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 4.5
Non-divisional opponents: Texans, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Chargers, Cardinals, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Bengals, Bears
32
Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 1, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt (90) defends a pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Projected win total: 8.5
Non-divisional opponents: Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Jets, Broncos, Raiders, Eagles, Commanders, Colts, Falcons
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