Here it is.
The Patriots’ 2023 regular-season schedule was finally released Thursday night, a slate featuring four primetime games, a season opener against the NFC East champion Eagles and a midseason trip to Germany. According to Vegas oddsmakers, the Pats’ schedule is the hardest in the NFL by opponents’ over/under win totals.
Below is a game-by-game breakdown of their upcoming season.
Sept. 10, 4:25 p.m.
Arguably the toughest test on the Patriots’ schedule arrives early with MVP runner-up Jalen Hurts, star wideouts A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith and a loaded defense coming to town in Week 1. The Eagles own the most talented roster on paper in the NFL, and upsetting them could go a long way to changing the narrative around the team’s new season.
Sept. 17 (SNF), 8:20 p.m.
A division game in primetime as a home underdog? The Patriots have the opportunity to clinch a rare statement win in Week 2 if Bill O’Brien’s offense pulls through because while Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is unbeaten against the Patriots for his career, Miami has averaged fewer than 20 offensive points per game against New England with him at the helm.
Sept. 24, 1 p.m.
Aaron Rodgers’ first opportunity to match wits with Bill Belichick in the division will be a spectacle. Last year, the Pats limited Rodgers to a fairly pedestrian stat line during an overtime loss at Green Bay, though Belichick’s defense couldn’t keep him off the scoreboard late. Matchup to watch: first-round rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez against burgeoning Jets star wideout Garrett Wilson.
Oct. 1, 4:25 p.m.
How well the Patriots’ suspect offensive tackles can protect Mac Jones from star Cowboys rusher Micah Parsons should decide this game. If Parsons gets to Jones multiple times in the first half, the Pats could be in major trouble.
Oct. 8, 1 p.m.
Two years ago, the Saints pounded the Patriots in an early-season matchup at Gillette Stadium. Now, they’re led by Derek Carr, and many expect them to win the NFC South. A win here would quietly be a strong sign of progress for the Pats.
Oct. 15, 4:05 p.m.
The pregame storylines will revolve around Jakobi Meyers, who literally threw the game away last year in Las Vegas and now wears the silver and black after the Pats made little effort to retain him in free agency. But come kickoff, the X-factor will be Mac Jones who played his worst game of the season against the Raiders last year and will need to out-duel Jimmy Garoppolo in the Sin City.
Oct. 22, 1 p.m.
The Bills haven’t lost in Foxboro since Tom Brady left. If the Pats intend to unseat the class of the AFC East, they’ll need to harass Josh Allen into a turnover or two and start fast offensively.
Oct. 29, 1 p.m.
Unlike past years, the Patriots shouldn’t face the oppressive heat that affected last season’s 20-7 loss in Week 1. But if Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are still healthy, the Dolphins will still be just as dangerous.
Nov. 5, 1 p.m.
History has not been kind to Washington, which hasn’t beaten the Pats since 2003. The Commanders are one of three teams on the Patriots’ schedule with a lower over/under total at 6.5.
Patriots back James Robinson looking forward to showing his mettle
Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.
The Pats' first international game in 2017 will pit them against a rookie coach in Shane Steichen and rookie quarterback in Anthony Richardson. Frankfurt won't feel like Foxboro, but the Patriots should be treated like big favorites overseas.
Nov. 26, 1 p.m.
A rested Patriots team will travel to meet former assistant and second-year Giants coach Brian Daboll the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Pulling out a win in New Jersey could help set the tone for the second half of the season.
Dec. 3, 1 p.m.
Will third time be the charm for Justin Herbert against Belichick? He's 0-2 in two career meetings with the Pats, having completed just half his passes for 432 yards, two touchdowns and four picks.
Dec. 7, 8:15 p.m.
Buckle up. The Pats and Steelers should combine for one of the most physical games of the season, as two teams led by strong defenses, power run games and young quarterbacks.
Dec. 18, 8:15 p.m.
A massive matchup. Coming off a Thursday night game, the Patriots will have three extra days to prepare for the reigning Super Bowl champions. In their last two meetings, the Pats have held Kansas City to 21 offensive points per game. A repeat performance could spring them to an upset.
Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m.
The Pats' first visit to Denver since 2017 will pit Belichick against Broncos coach offensive whiz Sean Payton, who will have settled into his new digs long before Christmas Eve. On the other side of the ball, Denver All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. could present the toughest test Patriots receivers face all season.
Dec. 31, 1 p.m.
Last season's loss at Buffalo killed the Pats' playoff hopes. Will Mac Jones and Co. suffer a repeat on New Year's Eve? Look for the Patriots to try to pound out a hard-earned win in cold weather with running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and James Robinson.
TBD
The Patriots will close with Rodgers and the rival Jets in a game that could decide one team's playoff fate or perhaps both. The date and time of kickoff will be set a week earlier.