Preseason is upon us, and after the New England Patriots put the stomp on the Detroit Lions in their first preseason battle (31-3), it’s high-time we examine the team’s forthcoming schedule both at home and on the road. This year, the Patriots are taking on the AFC East—the usual suspects—as well as the NFC East, AFC North and two teams from the AFC South and AFC West, respectively. All in all, the Patriots are facing a well-rounded group of opponents this year. This article will be broken into two parts, each dedicated to the team’s easiest and hardest games throughout the season. This half is dedicated to the New England Patriots hardest games, but you can find the link to the easiest games below.
The New England Patriots Easiest Games in 2019
The New England Patriots Most Difficult Games in 2019
Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Despite two devastating losses last year, the Kansas City Chiefs seem keen on coming back for more. Patrick Mahomes, this young upstart of a quarterback, will undoubtedly be better than he was last year. He’s been practicing backwards and left-hand passes, for God’s sake, what kind of madness is that? Andy Reid has shown that his offense is not to be trifled with. Damien Williams (who appears to be the real deal), Tyreek Hill (who, at the time of this article, is a free man while Josh Gordon is still suspended), Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce…there’s a lot of speed and a lot of strength on this team.
This freaking guy. pic.twitter.com/Lqi8N0FRqB
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) July 27, 2019
While New England’s defense is expected to be better than it was last year, the Chiefs are still scary good. Their new defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnulo, helped orchestrate the New York Giants Super Bowl-winning defense in 2007. He’s also working with Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu this year, so that’s fun. While we have full faith in the Patriots, it would not surprise us if this proves to be New England’s toughest matchup of the year.
Week 11: @ Philadelphia Eagles
The ghost of Nick Foles can’t scare us now. Carson Wentz has returned, and he’s playing with some nice toys this year. Jordan Howard has no issue carrying the pigskin, and we all know that Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and Nelson Agholor are more than capable receivers. Zach Ertz is no Rob Gronkowski (or Travis Kelce, for that matter), but he is a big-bodied, talented tight end. The Patriots were able to coax Michael Bennett over in free agency, which will help, but the Philadelphia Eagles defense still boasts the likes of Malik Jackson, Fletcher Cox and Malcolm Jenkins.
There’s nothing inherently scary about this matchup, but playing in Philadelphia is never fun. On the upside, the Patriots will be coming off a week of rest after a week 10 bye, so that could tip the scales.
Week One: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This was a tossup considering the Pittsburgh Steelers are still coached by Mike Tomlin and led by Ben Roethlisberger. Still, James Conner proved that he’s more than ready to take over Le’Veon Bell’s role as lead back and JuJu Smith-Schuster is—hot take alert—bound to be a better receiver than Antonio Brown. These matchups always tend to be very physical, very spicy games.
There’s a lot of passion between these two fanbases and, while I love the concept of pitting two six-time Super Bowl champions up against each other, part of me feels like this is a setup. The Patriots get to unfurl their sixth banner in front of the team that used to be the most-winningest team in the league (as far as Super Bowls go), and there’s just a very uneasy feeling surrounding this week one game.
Week Two: @ Miami Dolphins
Does this really need an explanation? It isn’t the Miami Dolphins that have Tom Brady’s number, it’s the heat. Miami in September? Disgustingly humid. We all know Brady’s balls perform better in the cold. In the last decade, the Patriots have lost six of ten games played in Miami. Even with the trash roster that the Dolphins are rolling into the season with, I don’t expect this to be an easy game. Prove me wrong, boys.
Week 13: @ Houston Texans
Call this one the dark horse game. The Houston Texans got hot late into the season last year, and I’m anticipating that streak continuing into the new season. Deshaun Watson is a good young quarterback, and his talent has evolved since the team’s last faceoff against the Patriots. Pair his mobility and arm with Lamar Miller, Deandre Hopkins, Duke Johnson (acquired from the Cleveland Browns via trade) and Will Fuller, and you’ve got one hell of an offensive group.
On the defensive side, Whitney Mercilus, Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt are nothing to frown at either—even if the Patriots have managed to stuff Watt in previous matchups. He’s a healthy man now, and he’s more than capable of wrecking quarterbacks. This isn’t shaping up to be a super difficult game, but it’s not shaping up to be a breeze either.
Week Eight: vs. Cleveland Browns
I’m a skeptic. Baker Mayfield is talented, and he’s got the energy the Cleveland Browns need, but I need to see more from him. Even without Duke Johnson, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are skilled running backs. A receiving corps comprised of Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham, Jr., Antonio Callaway (who’s beens suspended for four games) and David Njoku is one hell of a lineup. Never mind rookie wide receiver Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, who “sweet-talked his way into an NFL workout”, and his 86-yard punt return touchdown in the first preseason matchup against the Washington Redskins.
There’s a lot of talent in this group, but I’m curious if the coaching can keep a handle on everyone and lead them to the promised land. Keep in mind, the last time these two teams met was when Brady returned from his four-game suspension. Much has changed since then, and this one will be entertaining at the very least.
