The New England Patriots appear poised to reclaim their spot in the national spotlight this season, with one NFL analyst predicting a significant surge in primetime games following their remarkable Super Bowl run.

The NFL is set to release its full schedule on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, giving fans their first look at when and where their favorite teams will play. For Patriots supporters, this year's slate could be particularly exciting.

Last season was a true comeback story in New England. After managing just four wins in 2024, the Patriots defied expectations by battling all the way to Super Bowl LX. That kind of turnaround doesn't go unnoticed, and Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the league will reward them with five primetime appearances this season.

"The New England Patriots were the AFC's surprise contender in 2025," Knox wrote. "While New England failed to put up much of a fight in Super Bowl LX and could very easily regress this season, the Patriots are still likely to be featured in prime time."

Knox points to a strong historical precedent: Super Bowl runners-up traditionally get plenty of primetime slots. For context, the Kansas City Chiefs had seven primetime games last year, the San Francisco 49ers had six in 2024, and the Philadelphia Eagles had five in 2023.

For Patriots fans, primetime football is nothing new. The team became a staple of national broadcasts during the Tom Brady era, and now there's a sense that history could repeat itself with a new face under center. Quarterback Drake Maye has shown the potential to be the next long-term leader in New England, possibly carrying the torch for the next 10 to 15 years.

As the schedule release approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Patriots can back up this primetime billing with another strong season. One thing is certain: when you're coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the lights tend to shine a little brighter.