The 2025 season was the New England Patriots' 56th in the National Football League (NFL), their 66th overall, their second under de factogeneral managerEliot Wolf, their first under head coachMike Vrabel, and their 12th Super Bowl appearance. The Patriots clinched their first winning season since 2021 with a Week 11 victory over the division rivalNew York Jets, and guaranteed they would exceed their combined win total for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. With a Week 16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Patriots made the playoffs for the first time since 2021 under Bill Belichick. Their Week 17 victory over the Jets, combined with a Bills loss that same week, gave the Patriots their first AFC East championship since 2019 and their first division championship without Tom Brady or Bill Belichick since 1997. Their Week 18 victory over the Miami Dolphins tied them for the largest single-season turnaround in NFL history, at 10 games. The Patriots earned the No. 2 seed, finishing tied with the Denver Broncos for the No. 1 seed; however, Denver earned the No. 1 seed based on the common opponents tiebreaker.[1]
This season began with the Patriots' third head coach in as many seasons following the dismissal of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo after the final game of the 2024 season. Patriots Hall of Fame inductee Mike Vrabel, who played for the team from 2001 to 2008, was hired as the franchise's 16th head coach on January 12. Before coaching New England, Vrabel was head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023.[1]
With the retirement of center David Andrews and the release of long snapper Joe Cardona, linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, defensive end Deatrich Wise, cornerback Jonathan Jones, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett, this is the Patriots' first season since 1992 that their roster had no players who won, or would go on to win, a Super Bowl with the Patriots. Their .824 winning percentage was their best since their Super Bowl LI-winning 2016 season, making them the first NFL team since the 1999 Indianapolis Colts to suffer two consecutive seasons with 13 losses and win 13 or more games in the third. This is also their first season with 10 consecutive wins since 2015, and their first with both a 4,000 yard passer and 1,000 yard receiver since 2019. In addition, the 2025 Patriots had the second easiest schedule since league realignment in 2002; its historically low strength of schedule was .391 and the team played only three regular-season games against opponents that finished with winning records. These were the Pittsburgh Steelers once and Buffalo Bills twice. They became the first team in NFL history to finish 9–0 on the road.[2] They also became the first team since the 2004 Steelers to lose double-digit games in one season and finish the next season with 14 or more wins. For their efforts this season, Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels received NFL Coach of the Year and NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, respectively. Vrabel became the first Patriots head coach to receive the award since Bill Belichick in 2010. It was his second time winning the award, with the first being in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, McDaniels became the first Patriots assistant coach to receive the award since its introduction in 2014.
In the postseason, the Patriots faced the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round, winning with a score of 16–3. It would be their first playoff victory since Super Bowl LIII. The following week, they went up against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round, winning with a 28–16 score. Following that, the Patriots traveled to Denver for the AFC Championship, defeating the Broncos with a score of 10–7. It would be their first postseason victory both on the road and in the conference championship since 2018. The Patriots became the first team in NFL history to defeat three top-five ranked defenses in a single postseason.[3] They are also the first team in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl after losing 13 or more games the previous season. In Super Bowl LX, they faced the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. It was their 12th Super Bowl appearance, extending an NFL record. The Patriots lost by a score of 29–13, preventing them from winning their seventh Super Bowl title, and in doing so became the first NFL franchise to lose six Super Bowls, breaking a tie they previously shared with the Denver Broncos.
September 13 – Wide receiverJa'Lynn Polk and a 2028 seventh-round selection were traded to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.[83]
↑The Patriots traded a third-round selection (85th overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a third-round selection (95th overall) and a 2026 fourth-round selection.
↑The Patriots traded fifth- and seventh-round selections (144th and 238th overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a fourth-round selection (137th overall).
↑The Patriots traded a third-round selection (77th overall) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for third- and fifth-round selections (85th and 146th overall).
↑The Patriots traded a fifth-round selection (171st overall) to the Detroit Lions in exchange for sixth- and seventh-round selections (182nd and 228th overall).
12The Patriots traded a seventh-round selection (228th overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for two seventh-round selections (251st and 257th overall).
Rookies in italics 53 active, 11 reserve, 17 practice squad(3 exempt)
Preseason
On August 8, prior to the team's first preseason game, the statue of Tom Brady was unveiled outside of Gillette Stadium, with Tom Brady in attendance.[88]
This was the Pats' first home loss to the Raiders since 1994, and fifth consecutive season losing their home opener.[89] This was the third time they lost to the Raiders since 2022.
Week 2: at Miami Dolphins
Week 2: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins– Game summary
With their first win in Miami since 2019 (first overall since 2022) the Patriots improved to 1–1 and they got their first win over Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (previously 0–7).[90] It was also the first time the Patriots scored more than 30 points since Week 6 of the 2022 season.
Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 3: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots– Game summary
The Patriots committed five turnovers in their loss to the Steelers, falling to 1–2 and suffering their first home defeat to Pittsburgh since the 2008 season.[91] In addition, it was New England's first loss to the Steelers since 2018, snapping a three game win streak against them.
Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 4: Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots– Game summary
With a convincing win over the Carolina Panthers, which also the most points the team scored since 2021, the Patriots improved to 2–2 on the season while securing their first home win of the season and first win at home against the Panthers since 2009.
Week 5: at Buffalo Bills
Week 5: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills– Game summary
With their final win at Highmark Stadium, the Patriots secured back-to-back wins for the first time since 2022, as well as their second straight win over the Bills who were the last undefeated team in the NFL, to improve to 3–2, their best start through five games since 2019.[92][93]
Unfortunately for the Patriots, Antonio Gibson would be lost for the season with an ACL tear.
Week 6: at New Orleans Saints
Week 6: New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints– Game summary
With their first win over New Orleans since 2017, the Patriots secure their first three-game win streak since 2022 to improve to 4–2, matching their win total (4) from each of the preceding two seasons. The Falcons win over Buffalo on Monday would give New England their first division lead since 2021.
Week 7: at Tennessee Titans
Week 7: New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans– Game summary
This game was head coach Mike Vrabel's first return to Tennessee since the Titans fired him after the 2023 season.[94] With their first win in Nashville since 2012, the Patriots improved their record to 5–2, surpassing their win totals from both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.[95] Mike Vrabel became the first head coach in Patriots history to win his first four road games.
Week 8: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week 8: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Browns
7
0
0
6
13
Patriots
3
6
21
2
32
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: October 26
Game time: 1:00p.m. EDT
Game weather: Sunny, 53°F (12°C)
Game attendance: 64,628
Referee: Alex Moore
TV announcers(Fox): Chris Myers and Mark Schlereth
Despite surrendering five sacks to Myles Garrett, the most the team has given up to one player in franchise history, the Patriots were able to defeat the Browns for the 6th time since 2013. With their 7th home victory against Cleveland since 1995, the Patriots secured their 5th straight win to improve to 6–2.[96]
Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week 9: Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots– Game summary
NE – Demario Douglas – 4 receptions, 100 yards, TD
With their 9th victory over Atlanta since 2001, the Patriots improved to 3–0 against the NFC South and tied the Broncos and Colts for the best record in the NFL at 7–2.
Week 10: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 10: New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Game summary
With their seventh straight win, the Patriots improved to 8–2 and swept an NFC division for the first time since sweeping the NFC East in 2019. This was also the first time the Patriots swept the NFC South.
Week 11: vs. New York Jets
Week 11: New York Jets at New England Patriots– Game summary
With their 8th straight win, longest since 2019, the Patriots improved to 9–2 for the first time since 2017 and 3–0 against the AFC East, while also securing their first winning season since 2021. The Patriots extended their winning streak against their fellow AFC East teams at home to three games, winning streak against their fellow AFC East teams regardless of location to four games, and both their home and overall winning streak against the Jets to two games.
Week 12: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week 12: New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals– Game summary
With their 9th straight win (second straight against Cincinnati), the Patriots improved to 10–2 record, as well as a 2–1 record against the AFC North. The Patriots also extended their winning streak on the road to 6 games while also securing their 3rd road win in Cincinnati since 2019.
Week 13: vs. New York Giants
Week 13: New York Giants at New England Patriots– Game summary
With their 10th straight win, their longest win streak since 2015, the Patriots improved to 11–2 (the most wins they had since 2019) their best record through 13 games since 2016, and they finished 5–0 against the NFC entering their bye. The Patriots also became the first team since the 1999 Colts to have a 10 game win streak after a 13 loss season. This was also their first win in the Pat Patriot uniforms since Week 5 of the 2022 season, officially snapping a six-game losing streak in them.
Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 15: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots– Game summary
With an opportunity to clinch the AFC East title for the first time since 2019 by defeating the Bills, the Patriots built a 21–0 lead and held a 24–7 lead at halftime. However, despite a strong running game, New England was outscored 28–7 in the second half as Drake Maye was held under 200 passing yards for the first time all season. With their first loss since Week 3, New England’s 10-game winning streak was snapped, and the team fell to 11–3 overall and 3–1 in the AFC East marking both the 6th straight year they failed to sweep the Bills & 13th straight year they failed to sweep the AFC East.
The 21-point blown lead was their largest since a similar instance in which they lost a 21-point first-half lead against the Bills during the 2011 season.[97] Their 21-point lead was the largest the Pats had squandered at home since 1978.[98] The loss also snapped the Patriots’ 120-game home winning streak when leading by 17 or more points, the longest streak in NFL history.[99]
Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens
Week 16: New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens– Game summary
At the end of the half, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was taken out of the game with a back injury and was later ruled out.[100] In the fourth quarter, Ravens running back Derrick Henry rushed for a touchdown to give the Ravens a 24–13 lead. Drake Maye then rallied the Patriots, throwing two touchdown passes to give New England a 28–24 lead. On Baltimore’s next drive, Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers fumbled, and the Patriots ran out the clock to secure the win.
With the win, the Patriots improved to 12–3, finishing 3–1 against the AFC North, and clinched their first playoff berth since 2021.[101]
Week 17: at New York Jets
Week 17: New England Patriots at New York Jets– Game summary
With their first sweep over the Jets since 2022, the Patriots improved to 13–3 (4–1 against the AFC East) and finished 8–0 on the road for the third time in franchise history (first since 2016).[102]
In addition, Philadelphia's 13–12 win over Buffalo later that day resulted in the Patriots clinching the AFC East for the first time since 2019.[103]
Week 18: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week 18: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots– Game summary
With this win, the Patriots swept their games against the Dolphins for the first time since 2016. Their 14–3 finish, their best since that same 2016 season, was tied for the best record in the conference with Denver (and in the league with Seattle), but the Patriots failed to clinch the #1 seed for the eighth straight year; the Broncos won the tiebreaker on common opponents. The Patriots instead clinched the #2 seed. New England ended their regular season with a 5–1 record against the AFC East and 6–3 at home.
With their first win over the Chargers since 2021, the Patriots secured their first playoff win since Super Bowl LIII and their first in the Wild Card Round since 2006. This also marked their fourth consecutive playoff victory over the Chargers since that year.[citation needed]
AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (5) Houston Texans
AFC Divisional Playoffs: (5) Houston Texans at (2) New England Patriots– Game summary
With their ninth consecutive Divisional Round win since 2011, the Patriots secured their first trip to the AFC Championship game since 2018 while improving to 3–0 against the Texans in the playoffs. It was the Patriots first win over Houston since 2021.[citation needed]
AFC Championship: at (1) Denver Broncos
AFC Championship: (2) New England Patriots at (1) Denver Broncos– Game summary
With their first playoff win over the Broncos since 2011, the Patriots secured their first AFC conference title since 2018. It was also their first playoff win in Denver in franchise history, along with their fourth consecutive win in Denver since 2016. This win marked the Patriots' 40th playoff win in franchise history, tying an NFL record with the San Francisco 49ers.[104]
The Patriots played in their 12th Super Bowl in franchise history, extending an NFL record. It was their second Super Bowl playing against the Seahawks, winning against them in Super Bowl XLIX. However, this game would not have the same outcome. It served as their fourth consecutive loss to Seattle since 2016 and their first loss in the Super Bowl since Super Bowl LII. This resulted in the Patriots recording their sixth Super Bowl loss, breaking the tie with the Denver Broncos for an NFL record, and bringing their overall Super Bowl record to an evenly split 6–6.
Notes
↑During the season, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr took over the role after Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer and stepped away from the team to undergo treatment.
12Denver finished ahead of New England based on common games (Denver 6–0 to New England 5–1 against: Cincinnati, Las Vegas, NY Giants, NY Jets and Tennessee).
12Houston finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory.
12Indianapolis finished ahead of Baltimore based on conference record (Indianapolis 6–6 to Baltimore 5–7).
12Cincinnati finished ahead of Kansas City based on conference record (Cincinnati 5–7 to Kansas City 3–9).
123Las Vegas finished ahead of NY Jets and Tennessee based on conference record (Las Vegas 3–9 to NY Jets 2–10 and Tennessee 2–10).
12NY Jets finished ahead of Tennessee based on strength of victory (NY Jets .373 to Tennessee .275).
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