The New England Patriots are already being labeled "losers" of the 2026 NFL season—and it's not because of their roster. According to CBS Sports' Garrett Podell, the culprit is a brutal scheduling quirk that could make life very difficult for the reigning AFC East champions.

After enjoying a last-place schedule in 2025, the Patriots now face the steepest climb in football: a first-place slate. That means tougher opponents, fewer breathers, and a historic level of early-season difficulty. Podell notes that New England will become the first team since the 2019 Miami Dolphins to open a season with three straight games against division winners from the previous year. To put that in perspective, the Patriots faced just two division winners in all of 2025—the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers—and split those matchups.

It's a stark contrast from last season, when New England's path to the AFC East title was paved by a softer schedule. Now, the team will have to prove its mettle against the league's elite right out of the gate. That kind of gauntlet can make or break a season, especially for a squad still building its identity.

But it's not all doom and gloom in Foxborough. The Patriots have made key upgrades this offseason, and there's even buzz about a potential blockbuster addition like A.J. Brown joining the fold. If New England can weather this early storm, the team's resilience could set the tone for a deep playoff run. For now, though, the schedule makers have thrown down the gauntlet—and the Patriots will need to answer the call.