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Patriots 2026 Preseason: Full Schedule, TV Channels & Live Stream Guide
New England Patriots 2026 Season: Your Complete Guide to Preseason & Regular Season Games
What’s Happening?
The New England Patriots are turning the page on last year and kicking off a brand-new campaign! Think of the preseason as practice games in August where players shake off the rust and coaches test strategies. These games don’t count toward the official standings, but they’re super important for building team chemistry.
The regular season starts on September 9, 2026, and every game from then on counts. The big question: Can young stars like quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver A.J. Brown develop chemistry with the rest of the squad to build momentum for 2026?
How to Watch Patriots Games in 2026
You don’t need a cable subscription to catch the action. Here are your options:
TV Channels
- WBZ-TV – Local broadcast (Boston area)
- NFL Network – National cable channel
Streaming Services (No Cable Needed!)
- fubo – Carries local WBZ-TV broadcasts. Offers a free trial for new subscribers!
- Prime Video – Carries national games (like the Week 3 preseason game at Cleveland).
Quick Steps to Start Streaming on fubo
- Visit the fubo Patriots page.
- Click "Start Free Trial".
- Create an account (email + password).
- Choose a plan (you can cancel anytime during the trial).
- Search for "WBZ-TV" or "NFL Network" and start watching!
Important: fubo includes ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and 100+ other live channels. Taxes and fees may apply after the trial. Participating plans only.
Patriots Preseason Schedule 2026
All times Eastern. Preseason games are like scrimmages—great for evaluating rookies and backups.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug. 13 | vs. Colts | 7:30 p.m. | WBZ-TV, fubo |
| 2 | Aug. 22 | vs. Eagles | 7:00 p.m. | WBZ-TV, NFL Network, fubo |
| 3 | Aug. 27 | at Browns | 8:00 p.m. | Prime Video |
Patriots Regular Season Schedule 2026
Every game counts now! The season runs September through January, with one bye week (Week 11).
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 9 | at Seahawks | 8:20 p.m. | Season Opener (Sunday Night) |
| 2 | Sept. 20 | vs. Steelers | 1:00 p.m. | Home opener |
| 3 | Sept. 27 | at Jaguars | 1:00 p.m. | |
| 4 | Oct. 4 | at Bills | 1:00 p.m. | Division rivalry |
| 5 | Oct. 11 | vs. Raiders | 1:00 p.m. | |
| 6 | Oct. 18 | vs. Jets | 1:00 p.m. | Division rivalry |
| 7 | Oct. 22 | at Bears | 8:15 p.m. | Thursday Night Football |
| 8 | Nov. 1 | at Dolphins | 4:25 p.m. | Division rivalry |
| 9 | Nov. 8 | vs. Packers | 4:25 p.m. | |
| 10 | Nov. 15 | vs. Lions (Germany) | 9:30 a.m. | International Game in Frankfurt! |
| 11 | BYE | — | — | Rest week |
| 12 | Nov. 29 | at Chargers | 8:20 p.m. | Sunday Night Football |
| 13 | Dec. 6 | vs. Bills | 4:25 p.m. | Division rivalry |
| 14 | Dec. 10 | vs. Vikings | 8:15 p.m. | Thursday Night Football |
| 15 | Dec. 21 | at Chiefs | 8:15 p.m. | Sunday Night Football |
| 16 | Dec. 27 | at Jets | 1:00 p.m. | Division rivalry |
| 17 | TBD | vs. Broncos | TBD | Date/time announced later |
| 18 | TBD | vs. Dolphins | TBD | Date/time announced later |
Special Note: Week 10 is in Frankfurt, Germany—kickoff is 9:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local time). Set your alarms!
Players to Watch in 2026
- Drake Maye (QB): The young quarterback looking to seize the starting job and lead the offense.
- A.J. Brown (WR): A dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field. Chemistry with Maye will be key.
- The Whole Roster: Preseason is where bubble players fight for roster spots—keep an eye on undrafted rookies and second-year guys!
Important Points to Remember
- Preseason ≠ Regular Season: Preseason records don’t matter; they’re for evaluation.
- Free Trial Alert: fubo lets you test-drive their service free—perfect for catching local games.
- Germany Game: Week 10 is early (9:30 a.m. ET). Plan accordingly!
- Flex Scheduling: Weeks 17 & 18 are "TBD"—the NFL will set exact dates/times later in the year (usually for prime-time matchups).
- All Times Eastern: Convert to your time zone if needed.
Summary
The Patriots’ 2026 journey begins with three preseason games in August (Colts, Eagles, Browns), all watchable on WBZ-TV/fubo or Prime Video. The real fun starts September 9 at Seattle. You can stream everything without cable via fubo (free trial!) or Prime Video. Mark your calendars for the Germany game (Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. ET) and the late-season gauntlet against Bills, Chiefs, and division rivals. Keep an eye on Drake Maye and A.J. Brown as they build chemistry—this could be the start of something special!
FAQ
1. When does the Patriots’ 2026 regular season officially start?
The regular season kicks off on Tuesday, September 9, 2026, at 8:20 p.m. ET against the Seattle Seahawks.
2. Can I watch Patriots games without a cable subscription?
Yes! Use fubo (for local WBZ-TV games) or Prime Video (for national games). fubo offers a free trial for new users.
3. What is the preseason schedule?
- Aug. 13: vs. Colts (7:30 p.m. ET, WBZ-TV/fubo)
- Aug. 22: vs. Eagles (7:00 p.m. ET, WBZ-TV/NFL Network/fubo)
- Aug. 27: at Browns (8:00 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
4. Are there any international games this year?
Yes! Week 10 (Nov. 15) vs. the Detroit Lions will be played in Frankfurt, Germany at 9:30 a.m. ET.
5. Who are the key players to watch this season?
Quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver A.J. Brown are the headliners. Their connection will drive the offense, but preseason battles for roster spots are always exciting to follow!
