The overall expectations for the 2025 iteration of the New England Patriots are not very high, once again. After two consecutive 4-win seasons, New England went on what some would consider a spending spree this off-season, and the team seemingly hopes to make a jump. However, this group is going to have to prove it to the fanbase, and it will take a lot to draw them back in.

As quarterback Drake Maye enters his second professional season, he will be surrounded by something he has yet to possess—a number one pass catcher. The Patriots brought in free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a three-year contract, with $26 million guaranteed, and a chance to earn a maximum of $69 million (ESPN.com). Diggs, coming off of a torn ACL from last season, avoided the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) in recent days, and he seems primed to make his debut in a Patriots uniform for Week 1.

With training camp beginning this past Wednesday, there are a number of names to keep a close eye on. Newcomers Harold Landry, Carlton Davis, Milton Williams, Mack Hollins, and Robert Spillane were all brought in to help the team improve on all levels. Landry worked under head coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, Davis can be paired as a number two cornerback aside budding star Christian Gonzalez, and Williams can be an impressive run stopper, yet the narrative of him not playing consistent snaps in the past is concerning. With Hollins and Spillane, though, they are veterans who can slot right in to their respective roles.

Fourth overall pick of the draft, tackle Will Campbell, is also someone to monitor, as he’s been discussed as an eventual guard at the NFL level due to his short arms. That simply remains to be seen on the field against professional talent.

For second and third round picks, running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Kyle Williams, respectively, both enter the league with a lot of potential, with the former expected to leapfrog lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson at some point. It will also be interesting to see if long-time Patriot wide receiver Kendrick Bourne makes it through camp. Still, it’s difficult to see things not work out due to his experience with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

A rather favorable regular-season slate

Now, for the part that some fans are looking forward to most—the schedule. New England opens the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. An interesting matchup, as Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith reunite after their time in Seattle. Defensive end Maxx Crosby will be the focus of the game, though, as the aforementioned Will Campbell will be the one mainly tasked with keeping him under control.

For the next three games, the Pats face off against Miami, Pittsburgh, and Carolina. A winnable stretch, yes, but as previously stated, this team will need to prove it to the fans before they earn a legitimate buy-in. New England then goes on the road for three straight, opposing Buffalo, New Orleans, and Tennessee. Any road game is tough to win in the NFL, but it’ll be considered a fail if the team doesn’t come away with two victories from that trip.

The Patriots then face off against Cleveland, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay, followed by three more contests with the New York Jets, Cincinnati, and the New York Giants. This is a mediocre part of the schedule, but both Tampa Bay and Cincinnati could turn into rock fights. Following the bye week in Week 14, New England clashes with Buffalo, Baltimore, and the New York Jets. Maybe the toughest stretch of the season, yet going to MetLife Stadium in Week 17 will seem like a cakewalk. The regular season comes to a close at home against Miami, who New England has played well in recent seasons.

Prediction for what could be a wild ride

My official prediction is one that didn’t take much thought, and—while this season could very well be a rollercoaster—it isn’t difficult to predict right now because of the Patriots’ schedule.

I have the team finishing with a record of 10-7 and earning a Wild Card spot. Games that stand out as potential “long days” for New England include both matchups against Buffalo, along with Baltimore and Tampa Bay. One coin flip could be against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the Cincinnati Bengals, but every other game to me is winnable.

Ultimately, though, it’s all up to Patriots first-year head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye to help lead this team through the rigors of an NFL regular season with a relatively young roster. Can Maye make that patented second-year leap? Can Vrabel make enough of a difference to swing a 5-6 win improvement from the previous season? Will Stefon Diggs be able to carry a weak wide receiver core? All of these questions will be answered in due time, and New England has a chance to make a major stride to win back a positive attitude from the fanbase, a void that’s been missing for years.