# 2021 New England Patriots season

The 2021 season was the New England Patriots' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 62nd overall, their 20th playing home games at Gillette Stadium, and their 22nd under head coach Bill Belichick.
Following the team's 7–9 finish the previous season, their first losing record since 2000, the Patriots spent a record $163 million in guaranteed money to sign new free agent acquisitions. 11 free agents were added to the roster on March 19, with the largest contracts awarded to linebacker Matthew Judon, tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, cornerback Jalen Mills, and wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor. In the 2021 NFL draft, New England selected quarterback Mac Jones 15th overall, marking the first time the Patriots drafted a first-round quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. Jones also became the first rookie quarterback to start for the Patriots since Bledsoe after he was named the starter ahead of the season opener.
The Patriots began the season 2–4, but won eight of their next 11 games and finished with a 10–7 record to secure a wild card berth. In their first playoff appearance without quarterback Tom Brady since 1998 and their first (and only) as a wild card under Belichick, they were defeated 47–17 by the division rival Buffalo Bills, the worst postseason loss of Belichick's tenure. The playoff game was also the Patriots' last with Belichick.

## Roster changes
### Free agency
#### Unrestricted

| Position | Player | 2021 team | Date signed | Contract |
| C | David Andrews | New England Patriots | March 22, 2021 | 4 years, $19 million |
| CB | Justin Bethel | New England Patriots | March 12, 2021 | 3 years, $6 million |
| FS | Terrence Brooks | Houston Texans | March 23, 2021 | 1 year, $1.75 million |
| RB | Rex Burkhead | Houston Texans | June 1, 2021 | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| DT | Adam Butler | Miami Dolphins | March 18, 2021 | 2 years, $7.5 million |
| WR | Damiere Byrd | Chicago Bears | May 4, 2021 | 1 year, $1.128 million |
| OLB | Shilique Calhoun | San Francisco 49ers | August 10, 2021 | 1 year, $990,000 |
| OLB | Brandon Copeland | Atlanta Falcons | March 19, 2021 | 1 year, $1.04 million |
| DT | Carl Davis | New England Patriots | March 15, 2021 | 1 year, $1.078 million |
| FS | Cody Davis | New England Patriots | March 19, 2021 | 2 years, $4.3 million |
| OT | Jermaine Eluemunor | Miami Dolphins | June 14, 2021 | 1 year, $1.128 million |
| C | James Ferentz | New England Patriots | May 17, 2021 | 1 year, $1.020 million |
| K | Nick Folk | New England Patriots | March 23, 2021 | 1 year, $1.625 million |
| DT | Lawrence Guy | New England Patriots | March 30, 2021 | 4 years, $11.5 million |
| QB | Brian Hoyer | New England Patriots | May 18, 2021 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| CB | Jason McCourty | Miami Dolphins | May 7, 2021 | 1 year, $1.213 million |
| WR | Donte Moncrief | Houston Texans | March 22, 2021 | 1 year, $1.15 million |
| QB | Cam Newton | New England Patriots | March 12, 2021 | 1 year, $5.1 million |
| DE | John Simon | Tennessee Titans | July 25, 2021 | 1 year, $1.075 million |
| G | Joe Thuney | Kansas City Chiefs | March 18, 2021 | 5 years, $80 million |
| RB | James White | New England Patriots | March 25, 2021 | 1 year, $2.463 million |
| DE | Deatrich Wise Jr. | New England Patriots | March 19, 2021 | 4 years, $22 million |

#### Restricted

| Position | Player | 2021 team | Date signed | Contract |
| CB | J. C. Jackson | New England Patriots | April 16, 2021 | Tendered (second-round) for 1 year, $3.384 million |

#### Exclusive-rights

| Position | Player | 2021 team | Date signed | Contract |
| WR | Quincy Adeboyejo | | | |
| FB | Jakob Johnson | New England Patriots | March 25, 2021 | 1 year, $850,000 |

#### Signings/waiver claims

| Position | Player | Previous team | Date signed | Contract |
| DE | Montravius Adams | Green Bay Packers | March 19, 2021 | 1 year, $1.095 million |
| WR | Nelson Agholor | Las Vegas Raiders | March 19, 2021 | 2 years, $22 million |
| DE | Henry Anderson | New York Jets | March 19, 2021 | 2 years, $7 million |
| WR | Kendrick Bourne | San Francisco 49ers | March 19, 2021 | 3 years, $15 million |
| TE | Hunter Henry | Los Angeles Chargers | March 19, 2021 | 3 years, $37.5 million |
| LB | Matthew Judon | Baltimore Ravens | March 19, 2021 | 4 years, $54.5 million |
| C | Ted Karras | Miami Dolphins | March 19, 2021 | 1 year, $3 million |
| LB | Raekwon McMillan | Las Vegas Raiders | March 19, 2021 | 1 year, $1.149 million |
| CB | Jalen Mills | Philadelphia Eagles | March 19, 2021 | 4 years, $24 million |
| TE | Jonnu Smith | Tennessee Titans | March 19, 2021 | 4 years, $50 million |
| LB | Kyle Van Noy | Miami Dolphins | March 19, 2021 | 2 years, $12 million |
| DT | Davon Godchaux | Miami Dolphins | March 23, 2021 | 2 years, $15 million |
| LB | LaRoy Reynolds | Atlanta Falcons | March 24, 2021 | 1 year, $1.213 million |
| LB | Harvey Langi | New York Jets | May 10, 2021 | 1 year, $1.057 million |
| G | Alex Redmond | Cincinnati Bengals | May 17, 2021 | 1 year, $1.080 million |
| LS | Wesley Farnsworth | Denver Broncos | May 20, 2021 | 1 year, $660,000 |
| FS | Adrian Colbert | New York Giants | May 21, 2021 | 1 year, $990,000 |
| RB | Tyler Gaffney | San Francisco 49ers | May 21, 2021 | 1 year, $660,000 |
| TE | Troy Fumagalli | Denver Broncos | May 27, 2021 | 1 year, $850,000 |
| WR | Marvin Hall | Cleveland Browns | June 4, 2021 | 1 year, $1.015 million |
| G | R. J. Prince | Baltimore Ravens | June 17, 2021 | 1 year, $780,000 |
| WR | Devin Ross | New England Patriots | June 21, 2021 | 1 year, $660,000 |
| TE | David Wells | New England Patriots | July 23, 2021 | 1 year, $660,000 |
| QB | Jake Dolegala | Green Bay Packers | July 28, 2021 | 1 year, $780,000 |
| OT | Jerald Hawkins | Pittsburgh Steelers | July 30, 2021 | 1 year, $920,000 |
| LB | Cassh Maluia | New England Patriots | August 7, 2021 | 1 year, $780,000 |
| LS | Brian Khoury | Baltimore Ravens | August 9, 2021 | 1 year, $660,000 |
| SS | Malik Gant | New England Patriots | August 10, 2021 | 1 year, $660,000 |
| TE | Kahale Warring | Houston Texans | August 24, 2021 | 4 years, $3.640 million |
| WR | Malcolm Perry | Miami Dolphins | September 2, 2021 | 4 years, 3.370 million |
| LB | Jamie Collins | Detroit Lions | October 6, 2021 | 1 year, 1.075 million |

### Releases/waivers

| Position | Player | Date released/waived |
| DT | Beau Allen | March 18, 2021 |
| WR | Marqise Lee | March 18, 2021 |
| LB | Cassh Maluia | March 23, 2021 |
| LB | Michael Pinkney | March 23, 2021 |
| K | Justin Rohrwasser | March 23, 2021 |
| G | Ross Reynolds | April 9, 2021 |
| DT | Michael Barnett | April 12, 2021 |
| C | Dustin Woodard | April 16, 2021 |
| QB | Jake Dolegala | April 30, 2021 |
| G | Najee Toran | May 18, 2021 |
| LB | LaRoy Reynolds | May 27, 2021 |
| FB | Danny Vitale | May 27, 2021 |
| K | Roberto Aguayo | June 17, 2021 |
| LS | Wesley Farnsworth | June 17, 2021 |
| WR | Devin Smith | July 27, 2021 |
| QB | Jake Dolegala | August 9, 2021 |
| RB | Tyler Gaffney | August 10, 2021 |
| DE | Rashod Berry | August 15, 2021 |
| WR | Marvin Hall | August 15, 2021 |
| TE | David Wells | August 15, 2021 |
| OT | Jerald Hawkins | August 16, 2021 |
| TE | Troy Fumagalli | August 17, 2021 |
| SS | Malik Gant | August 24, 2021 |
| LS | Brian Khoury | August 24, 2021 |
| LB | Cassh Maluia | August 24, 2021 |
| G | R. J. Prince | August 24, 2021 |
| WR | Devin Ross | August 24, 2021 |
| TE | Kahale Warring | August 27, 2021 |
| DT | Montravius Adams | August 31, 2021 |
| DE | Tashawn Bower | August 31, 2021 |
| CB | Myles Bryant | August 31, 2021 |
| FS | Adrian Colbert | August 31, 2021 |
| OT | Korey Cunningham | August 31, 2021 |
| C | James Ferentz | August 31, 2021 |
| K | Nick Folk | August 31, 2021 |
| QB | Brian Hoyer | August 31, 2021 |
| CB | Mike Jackson Sr. | August 31, 2021 |
| TE | Matt LaCosse | August 31, 2021 |
| DT | Bill Murray | August 31, 2021 |
| QB | Cam Newton | August 31, 2021 |
| WR | Tre Nixon | August 31, 2021 |
| G | Alex Redmond | August 31, 2021 |
| CB | D'Angelo Ross | August 31, 2021 |
| OT | Will Sherman | August 31, 2021 |
| DT | Akeem Spence | August 31, 2021 |
| DT | Nick Thurman | August 31, 2021 |
| CB | Dee Virgin | August 31, 2021 |
| WR | Kristian Wilkerson | August 31, 2021 |
| WR | Isaiah Zuber | August 31, 2021 |

### Retirements

| Position | Player | Date retired |
| S | Patrick Chung | March 18, 2021 |
| WR | Julian Edelman | April 12, 2021 |

### Trades

* March 18 - Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) were traded to the Houston Texans for the Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection (No. 122 overall, originally acquired from Arizona) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 187 overall).
* March 18 - The Patriots' 2022 fifth-round selection was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for offensive tackle Trent Brown and the Raiders' 2022 seventh-round selection.
* March 23 - Tight end Ryan Izzo was traded to the Houston Texans for the Texans' 2022 seventh-round selection.
* August 25 - Running back Sony Michel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for the Rams' 2022 sixth and 2023 fourth round selections.
* August 26 - The Patriots' 2022 seventh-round selection (originally acquired from Houston) and 2023 fifth-round selection were traded to the Baltimore Ravens for cornerback Shaun Wade.
* August 31 - The Patriots' 2022 seventh-round selection was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for offensive tackle Yasir Durant.
* October 6 - Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers for the Panthers' 2023 sixth-round selection.

## Draft

2021 New England Patriots Draft :
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Notes |
| 1 | 15 | Mac Jones | QB | Alabama | |
| 2 | 38 | Christian Barmore | DT | Alabama | from Cincinnati |
| 3 | — | Selection forfeited | Selection forfeited | Selection forfeited | Selection forfeited |
| 3 | 96 | Ronnie Perkins | DE | Oklahoma | Compensatory pick |
| 4 | 120 | Rhamondre Stevenson | RB | Oklahoma | |
| 5 | 177 | Cameron McGrone | LB | Michigan | Compensatory pick |
| 6 | 188 | Joshuah Bledsoe | FS | Missouri | from Houston |
| 6 | 197 | Will Sherman | OT | Colorado | |
| 7 | 242 | Tre Nixon | WR | UCF | |
Notes
* The Cincinnati Bengals' 2021 second-round selection (No. 38 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent the Patriots' 2021 second-round selection (No. 46 overall) and two fourth-round selections (No. 122 and 139 overall) to the Bengals.
* The Patriots forfeited their third-round selection as the punishment for illegal filming of the field and sidelines by the team's television crew of a 2019 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.
* The Houston Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection (No. 122 overall) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 188 overall) were acquired in a trade that sent offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and the previously acquired Dallas Cowboys 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) to the Texans.
* A sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the New York Jets. The Jets re-acquired this selection when the Patriots traded two of their 2020 fourth-round selections and this 2021 sixth-round selection in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection.
* An additional sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) was obtained in the trade that sent defensive end Michael Bennett to the Dallas Cowboys.

### Undrafted free agents

| Position | Player | School | Date signed |
| K | Quinn Nordin | Michigan | May 6, 2021 |

## Staff

* July 23: Cole Popovich left the team as co-offensive line coach after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

## Preseason

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | August 12 | Washington Football Team | W 22–13 | 1–0 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 19 | at Philadelphia Eagles | W 35–0 | 2–0 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
| 3 | August 29 | at New York Giants | W 22–20 | 3–0 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |

## Regular season
### Schedule

The Patriots' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | September 12 | Miami Dolphins | L 16–17 | 0–1 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | September 19 | at New York Jets | W 25–6 | 1–1 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 26 | New Orleans Saints | L 13–28 | 1–2 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | October 3 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L 17–19 | 1–3 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 5 | October 10 | at Houston Texans | W 25–22 | 2–3 | NRG Stadium | Recap |
| 6 | October 17 | Dallas Cowboys | L 29–35 (OT) | 2–4 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 7 | October 24 | New York Jets | W 54–13 | 3–4 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 8 | October 31 | at Los Angeles Chargers | W 27–24 | 4–4 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
| 9 | November 7 | at Carolina Panthers | W 24–6 | 5–4 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
| 10 | November 14 | Cleveland Browns | W 45–7 | 6–4 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 18 | at Atlanta Falcons | W 25–0 | 7–4 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Recap |
| 12 | November 28 | Tennessee Titans | W 36–13 | 8–4 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 13 | December 6 | at Buffalo Bills | W 14–10 | 9–4 | Highmark Stadium | Recap |
| 14 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 15 | December 18 | at Indianapolis Colts | L 17–27 | 9–5 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 16 | December 26 | Buffalo Bills | L 21–33 | 9–6 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 17 | January 2 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 50–10 | 10–6 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 18 | January 9 | at Miami Dolphins | L 24–33 | 10–7 | Hard Rock Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Patriots | 0 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: September 12
* Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 3-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 5:29. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:05.
Second quarter
NE – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 10:17. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:56.
NE – Nelson Agholor 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 2:35. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:36.
MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:30.
Third quarter
MIA – Jaylen Waddle 3-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:51. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:09.
NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 2:50. Dolphins 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 8:01.
Fourth quarter
NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 10:36. Dolphins 17–16. Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 5:37.
Top passers
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 16/27, 202 yards, TD, INT
NE – Mac Jones – 29/39, 281 yards, TD
Top rushers
MIA – Myles Gaskin – 9 rushes, 49 yards
NE – Damien Harris – 23 rushes, 100 yards
Top receivers
MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 4 receptions, 61 yards, TD
NE – Nelson Agholor – 5 receptions, 72 yards, TD :
In rookie quarterback Mac Jones' first NFL start, a back-and-forth affair against divisional opponent Miami was sealed when Patriots running back Damien Harris fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter, allowing the Dolphins to run out the clock. With the close loss, the Patriots began the season 0–1 for the first time since 2017.

#### Week 2: at New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 10 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 25 |
| Jets | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: September 19
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
* Game attendance: 75,626
* Referee: Shawn Hochuli
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Nick Folk 46-yard field goal, 4:46. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 7 yards, 2:59.
NE – James White 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:57. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:13.
Second quarter
NYJ – Matt Ammendola 21-yard field goal, 9:52. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:05.
NE – Nick Folk 49-yard field goal, 0:13. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 1:56.
Third quarter
NE – Damien Harris 26-yard run (kick failed), 10:24. Patriots 19–3. Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:51.
NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:09. Patriots 22–3. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:31.
Fourth quarter
NYJ – Matt Ammendola 35-yard field goal, 6:11. Patriots 22–6. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 5:01.
NE – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 1:57. Patriots 25–6. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:34.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 22/30, 186 yards
NYJ – Zach Wilson – 19/33, 210 yards, 4 INT
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 62 yards, TD
NYJ – Michael Carter – 11 rushes, 59 yards
Top receivers
NE – James White – 6 receptions, 45 yards
NYJ – Braxton Berrios – 7 receptions, 73 yards :
A battle of rookie quarterbacks saw Zach Wilson of the Jets throw four interceptions to the Patriots defense, allowing New England to coast to a 25–6 win, its 11th straight win over divisional rival New York. Mac Jones completed over 70% of his passes for the second game in a row.

#### Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
| Patriots | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: September 26
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 70 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NO – Alvin Kamara 11-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 7:35. Saints 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:58.
Second quarter
NO – Marquez Callaway 7-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 1:44. Saints 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:00.
NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 0:34. Saints 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:10.
Third quarter
NO – Malcolm Jenkins 34-yard interception return (Aldrick Rosas kick), 14:51. Saints 21–3.
NE – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 1:32. Saints 21–6. Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 9:05.
Fourth quarter
NE – Kendrick Bourne 22-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:22. Saints 21–13. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:06.
NO – Taysom Hill 4-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 2:37. Saints 28–13. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:45.
Top passers
NO – Jameis Winston – 13/21, 128 yards, 2 TD
NE – Mac Jones – 30/51, 270 yards, TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
NO – Alvin Kamara – 24 rushes, 89 yards
NE – Mac Jones – 6 rushes, 28 yards
Top receivers
NO – Marquez Callaway – 4 receptions, 41 yards, TD
NE – Kendrick Bourne – 6 receptions, 96 yards, TD :
Jones threw three interceptions, including a pass bobbled by tight end Jonnu Smith before being returned by P. J. Williams for a touchdown, as the Patriots lost to the Saints 28–13 and dropped to 1–2. This was also the Patriots' first loss to the Saints since 2009.

#### Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 19 |
| Patriots | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: October 3
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Rain, 61 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: Bill Vinovich
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
TB – Ryan Succop 45-yard field goal, 4:49. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 3:53.
Second quarter
NE – Hunter Henry 11-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 8:28. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:21.
TB – Ryan Succop 44-yard field goal, 0:13. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
TB – Ronald Jones II 8-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 3:29. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:48.
Fourth quarter
NE – Jonnu Smith 1-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 14:57. Patriots 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:32.
TB – Ryan Succop 27-yard field goal, 7:58. Buccaneers 16–14. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 6:59.
NE – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 4:34. Patriots 17–16. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:24.
TB – Ryan Succop 48-yard field goal, 1:57. Buccaneers 19–17. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:37.
Top passers
TB – Tom Brady – 22/43, 269 yards
NE – Mac Jones – 31/40, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
TB – Leonard Fournette – 20 rushes, 91 yards
NE – Nelson Agholor – 1 rush, 4 yards
Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 7 receptions, 75 yards
NE – Jakobi Meyers – 8 receptions, 70 yards :
This game marked former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's first return to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots after the 2019 season, as he was cheered by the Patriots' home crowd during pre-game introductions before being jeered during the game. During the rain-soaked, back-and-forth contest, Brady was held without a touchdown and completed just over half of his passes; he was held to his third lowest passer rating - 70.8 - since joining the Buccaneers but led them to a go-ahead field goal just after the two-minute warning. Jones, who passed for 2 touchdowns and an interception, led the Patriots into position for their own field goal, but Nick Folk's 56-yard attempt hit the left upright, sealing the loss for the Patriots to their former franchise quarterback.

#### Week 5: at Houston Texans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 0 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 25 |
| Texans | 6 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 22 |
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: October 10
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 68,450
* Referee: Scott Novak
* TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Antony Auclair 11-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 4:45. Texans 6–0. Drive: 18 plays, 79 yards, 10:06.
Second quarter
NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (kick failed), 14:17. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:37.
HOU – Chris Moore 67-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 12:56. Texans 12–6. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:21.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 33-yard field goal, 1:37. Texans 15–6. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 7:11.
NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 0:02. Texans 15–9. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 1:35.
Third quarter
HOU – Chris Conley 37-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 13:31. Texans 22–9. Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 0:42.
NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 8:25. Texans 22–12. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:57.
NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:50. Texans 22–15. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:58.
Fourth quarter
NE – Hunter Henry 13-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:31. Tied 22–22. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:54.
NE – Nick Folk 21-yard field goal, 0:15. Patriots 25–22. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 7:00.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 23/30, 231 yards, TD, INT
HOU – Davis Mills – 21/29, 312 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 58 yards, TD
HOU – Mark Ingram II – 16 rushes, 41 yards
Top receivers
NE – Hunter Henry – 6 receptions, 75 yards, TD
HOU – Chris Moore – 5 receptions, 109 yards, TD :
Despite being down 22–9 to Houston at one point, the Patriots came back to win – coincidentally in the same stadium where they overcame a 28–3 deficit to the Atlanta Falcons to win Super Bowl LI. Aside from a missed extra point in the first half, Nick Folk made four field goals during the game, including the game-winner with 15 seconds left in the game. With the win, New England improved to 2–3, taking sole possession of 2nd place in the AFC East.

#### Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Cowboys | 7 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 35 |
| Patriots | 14 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 29 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: October 17
* Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: Brad Allen
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Damien Harris 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 10:20. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:41.
DAL – Blake Jarwin 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Greg Zuerlein kick), 6:43. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:37.
NE – Hunter Henry 20-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:50. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:53.
Second quarter
DAL – Greg Zuerlein 30-yard field goal, 6:39. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:26.
Third quarter
DAL – CeeDee Lamb 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Greg Zuerlein kick), 4:49. Cowboys 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 4:29.
Fourth quarter
DAL – Greg Zuerlein 45-yard field goal, 13:13. Cowboys 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:45.
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:23. Patriots 21–20. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:50.
DAL – Trevon Diggs 42-yard interception return (pass failed), 2:27. Cowboys 26–21.
NE – Kendrick Bourne 75-yard pass from Mac Jones (Mac Jones-Jakobi Meyers pass), 2:11. Patriots 29–26. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:16.
DAL – Greg Zuerlein 49-yard field goal, 0:20. Tied 29–29. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 1:51.
Overtime
DAL – CeeDee Lamb 35-yard pass from Dak Prescott, 3:52. Cowboys 35–29.
Top passers
DAL – Dak Prescott – 36/51, 445 yards, 3 TD, INT
NE – Mac Jones – 15/21, 229 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 17 rushes, 69 yards, TD
NE – Damien Harris – 18 rushes, 101 yards, TD
Top receivers
DAL – CeeDee Lamb – 9 receptions, 149 yards, 2 TD
NE – Kendrick Bourne – 1 reception, 75 yards, TD :
This was the Patriots' first overtime game since the 2018 AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This was the Pats' first loss to the Cowboys in 25 years and their first home loss to them in 34 years.

#### Week 7: vs. New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 0 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 13 |
| Patriots | 14 | 17 | 3 | 20 | 54 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: October 24
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 54 °F (12 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: Brad Rogers
* TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Nelson Agholor 25-yard pass from Kendrick Bourne (Nick Folk kick), 12:43. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 2:17.
NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:21. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:25.
Second quarter
NE – Nick Folk 39-yard field goal, 14:10. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:38.
NYJ – Corey Davis 3-yard pass from Mike White (Matt Ammendola kick), 10:39. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 3:31.
NE – Brandon Bolden 15-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:29. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:10.
NE – Hunter Henry 1-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:27. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 1:28.
Third quarter
NYJ – Elijah Moore 19-yard run (run failed), 11:38. Patriots 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:22.
NE – Nick Folk 50-yard field goal, 7:03. Patriots 34–13. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:35.
Fourth quarter
NE – Damien Harris 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:29. Patriots 41–13. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:39.
NE – J. J. Taylor 1-yard run (kick failed), 9:10. Patriots 47–13. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 2:04.
NE – J. J. Taylor 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:59. Patriots 54–13. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:43.
Top passers
NYJ – Mike White – 20/32, 202 yards, TD, 2 INT
NE – Mac Jones – 24/36, 307 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
NYJ – Michael Carter – 11 rushes, 37 yards
NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 106 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
NYJ – Michael Carter – 8 receptions, 67 yards
NE – Brandon Bolden – 6 receptions, 79 yards, TD :
With the win, the Patriots improved to 3–4 and swept the Jets for the sixth consecutive season and improved the winning streak against the Jets to 12.

#### Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 7 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 27 |
| Chargers | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
* Date: October 31
* Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 70,240
* Referee: Ronald Torbert
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
LAC – Austin Ekeler 5-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 10:54. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:06.
NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:26. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:28.
Second quarter
LAC – Keenan Allen 5-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Dustin Hopkins kick), 12:35. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 86 yards, 2:16.
NE – Nick Folk 24-yard field goal, 3:29. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 3:22.
NE – Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 0:10. Chargers 14–13. Drive: 5 plays, 10 yards, 0:47.
Third quarter
NE – Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 3:39. Patriots 16–14. Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 5:09.
LAC – Dustin Hopkins 48-yard field goal, 0:39. Chargers 17–16. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:00.
Fourth quarter
NE – Adrian Phillips 26-yard interception return (Mac Jones-Jakobi Meyers pass), 10:11. Patriots 24–17.
NE – Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, 2:19. Patriots 27–17. Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 6:56.
LAC – Josh Palmer 24-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Dustin Hopkins kick), 0:40. Patriots 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 1:39.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 18/35, 218 yards
LAC – Justin Herbert – 18/35, 223 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 23 rushes, 80 yards, TD
LAC – Justin Jackson – 3 rushes, 79 yards
Top receivers
NE – Nelson Agholor – 3 receptions, 60 yards
LAC – Keenan Allen – 6 receptions, 77 yards, TD :
With the win, the Patriots improved to 4–4 on the season. It was the Patriots' seventh straight win over the Chargers. Their last loss came on October 12, 2008 in San Diego.

#### Week 9: at Carolina Panthers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 0 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 24 |
| Panthers | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
* Date: November 7
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 61 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 72,203
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays
Second quarter
CAR – Zane Gonzalez 39-yard field goal, 12:07. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 3:23.
NE – Damien Harris 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 8:19. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:48.
CAR – Zane Gonzalez 49-yard field goal, 4:28. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 3 yards, 1:54.
NE – Hunter Henry 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:24. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.
Third quarter
NE – J. C. Jackson 88-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), 6:55. Patriots 21–6.
NE – Nick Folk 37-yard field goal, 2:20. Patriots 24–6. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 1:44.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 12/18, 139 yards, TD, INT
CAR – Sam Darnold – 16/33, 172 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 10 rushes, 62 yards
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 14 rushes, 52 yards
Top receivers
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 2 receptions, 44 yards
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 4 receptions, 54 yards :
The Patriots intercepted Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold three times en route to victory, including an 88-yard pick-six by J.C. Jackson. New England improved to 5–4 on the year and 4-0 all-time vs. Darnold. This was also the Patriots first win over the Panthers since 2009.

#### Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Patriots | 7 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 45 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: November 14
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
CLE - Austin Hooper 2-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 10:05. Browns 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:55.
NE – Hunter Henry 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:26. Tied 7–7. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 9:39.
Second quarter
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:43. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05.
NE – Kendrick Bourne 23-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:40. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 11 plays, 99 yards, 6:11.
NE – Nick Folk 38-yard field goal, 0:17. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 3:31.
Third quarter
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:04. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 5:06.
Fourth quarter
NE – Hunter Henry 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 13:33. Patriots 38–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:59.
NE – Jakobi Meyers 11-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Nick Folk kick), 4:13. Patriots 45–7. Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 4:02.
Top passers
CLE – Case Keenum – 8/12, 81 yards
NE – Mac Jones – 19/23, 198 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 19 rushes, 99 yards
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 20 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 7 receptions, 58 yards
NE – Kendrick Bourne – 4 receptions, 98 yards, TD :
The Patriots outplayed the Browns on both sides of the ball. Mac Jones had one of his better games as a rookie, completing over 80 percent of his passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions as the Patriots converted 7 of 9 third downs. The defense only allowed points on the first drive of the game, held the Browns to 1 of 11 on third down, and knocked Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield out of the game in the third quarter. With Damien Harris sidelined with a concussion from the Panthers game, Rhamondre Stevenson served as the primary running back, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns. With the score 38–7 in the fourth quarter, Brian Hoyer replaced Jones and threw the pass that ended Jakobi Meyers' record touchdown drought.

#### Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 3 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 25 |
| Falcons | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
* Date: November 18
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 68,286
* Referee: Land Clark
* TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Prime Video): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 5:14. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:38.
Second quarter
NE – Nelson Agholor 19-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 13:44. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:29.
NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 1:48.
Third quarter
No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
NE – Nick Folk 53-yard field goal, 6:39. Patriots 16–0. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 5:21.
NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 1:55. Patriots 19–0. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:14.
NE – Kyle Van Noy 35-yard interception return (kick failed, wide left), 1:22. Patriots 25–0.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 22/26, 207 yards, TD, INT
ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/28, 153 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 12 rushes, 69 yards
ATL – Qadree Ollison – 9 rushes, 34 yards
Top receivers
NE – Kendrick Bourne – 4 receptions, 42 yards
ATL – Russell Gage – 5 receptions, 49 yards :
The Patriots defense intercepted all three quarterbacks on the Falcons—Matt Ryan, Josh Rosen, and Feleipe Franks—as New England coasted to a 25–0 win over Atlanta on Thursday Night Football, improving to 7–4. They would gain the AFC East division lead later in the week after the Buffalo Bills lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

#### Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Titans | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Patriots | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 36 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: November 28
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: Alex Kemp
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Kendrick Bourne 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 7:37. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:46.
Second quarter
TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 1-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (kick failed), 14:28. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 8:09.
NE – Nick Folk 22-yard field goal, 9:50. Patriots 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:38.
NE – Nick Folk 37-yard field goal, 3:04. Patriots 13–6. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:57.
NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:58. Patriots 16–6. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 0:53.
TEN – Dontrell Hilliard 68-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 0:37. Patriots 16–13. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:21.
Third quarter
NE – Nick Folk 28-yard field goal, 11:13. Patriots 19–13. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:47.
NE – Kendrick Bourne 41-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:01. Patriots 26–13. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:43.
Fourth quarter
NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 6:09. Patriots 29–13. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:50.
NE – Damien Harris 14-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 4:38. Patriots 36–13. Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:48.
Top passers
TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 11/21, 93 yards, TD, INT
NE – Mac Jones – 23/32, 310 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
TEN – Dontrell Hilliard – 12 rushes, 131 yards, TD
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 9 rushes, 46 yards
Top receivers
TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – 2 receptions, 25 yards, TD
NE – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 98 yards :
The Patriots defense put up a show against a banged up Titans team. The offense was only forced to punt once but struggled to finish drives and get the run game going, resulting in five Nick Folk field goals. Mac Jones threw for 310 yards, and completed a pair of touchdown passes to Kendrick Bourne, with Damien Harris adding a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on the ground. Cornerback J. C. Jackson secured his seventh interception of the season, while the rest of the defense forced five fumbles, three of which were recovered by the Patriots. The Patriots improved to 8-4 for the AFC East division lead and an overall second place in the AFC.

#### Week 13: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 8 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 14 |
| Bills | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: December 6
* Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 36 °F (2 °C)
* Game attendance: 69,694
* Referee: Bill Vinovich
* TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, and Lisa Salters
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Damien Harris 64-yard run (Brandon Bolden run), 5:18. Patriots 8–0. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:37.
BUF – Gabe Davis 14-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 2:02. Patriots 8–7. Drive: 1 play, 14 yards, 0:05.
Second quarter
NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 11:28. Patriots 11–7. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 5:34.
Third quarter
BUF – Tyler Bass 35-yard field goal, 6:35. Patriots 11–10. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 2:40.
Fourth quarter
NE – Nick Folk 34-yard field goal, 13:01. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards, 8:34.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 2/3, 19 yards
BUF – Josh Allen – 15/30, 145 yards, TD
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 10 rushes, 111 yards, TD
BUF – Josh Allen – 6 rushes, 39 yards
Top receivers
NE – Jonnu Smith – 1 reception, 12 yards
BUF – Stefon Diggs – 4 receptions, 51 yards :
The Patriots entered the game in first place in the AFC following the Baltimore Ravens' loss the previous day, and were playing for first place in the AFC East. The game was impacted by 40 mph (64 km/h) winds; Belichick noted after the game that the winds in the Patriots' Week 17 game in Buffalo in 2008 were "way worse".
The Patriots drew up a run-heavy game plan in which Jones attempted just three passes, completing two for 19 yards (in 2008, Cassel completed six of eight passes for 78 yards). The Patriots ran the ball 46 times, for over 220 yards, utilizing a sixth offensive lineman on the majority of their offensive snaps. The three pass attempts were the fewest in a game since 1974 (when the Bills attempted just two in a game), the fewest in franchise history, and the fewest by a winning team in 30 years.
The Patriots defense was also stout: the Bills' only touchdown came after a N'Keal Harry muffed punt, and Myles Bryant broke up a fourth-down pass in the red zone late in the fourth quarter to preserve the Patriots' 14–10 win.
The Patriots had their bye week after this game, making it their latest regular-season bye since their Week 16 bye in 2001.

#### Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 17 |
| Colts | 14 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: December 18
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 67,391
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (NFLN): Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
IND – Nyheim Hines 8-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Michael Badgley kick), 3:53. Colts 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:58.
IND – E. J. Speed blocked punt recovery in end zone (Michael Badgley kick), 0:14. Colts 14–0.
Second quarter
IND – Michael Badgley 25-yard field goal, 4:31. Colts 17–0. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 8:57.
Third quarter
IND – Michael Badgley 41-yard field goal, 11:49. Colts 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, −3 yards, 1:49.
Fourth quarter
NE – Hunter Henry 12-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 14:55. Colts 20–7. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:38.
NE – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, 8:57. Colts 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 4:28.
NE – Hunter Henry 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 2:21. Colts 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 1:27.
IND – Jonathan Taylor 67-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 2:01. Colts 27–17. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:20.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 26/45, 299 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
IND – Carson Wentz – 5/12, 57 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 10 rushes, 36 yards
IND – Jonathan Taylor– 29 rushes, 170 yards, TD
Top receivers
NE – Hunter Henry – 6 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD
IND – Zach Pascal – 1 reception, 23 yards :
The Patriots were flat for much of the game, being shut out in the first half for the first time in 99 games. A late second half comeback brought the Patriots to within three points, but fell short when Jonathan Taylor put the game away with a 67-yard touchdown run. With the loss, the Patriots fell to the #3 seed in the AFC prior to Week 15's Sunday games, while still maintaining first place in the AFC East. It was also the first time the Patriots lost to the Colts since Week 10 of the 2009 season. The Patriots gave up 226 rush yards in the loss.

#### Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills | 7 | 10 | 3 | 13 | 33 |
| Patriots | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: December 26
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: Shawn Smith
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BUF – Isaiah McKenzie 3-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 6:37. Bills 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 6:57.
Second quarter
NE – Damien Harris 16-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:28. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:09.
BUF – Tyler Bass 25-yard field goal, 9:01. Bills 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:27.
BUF – Stefon Diggs 12-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 1:45. Bills 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 1:25.
Third quarter
BUF – Tyler Bass 34-yard field goal, 9:02. Bills 20–7. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yards, 5:58.
NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 1:41. Bills 20–14. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:21.
Fourth quarter
BUF – Devin Singletary 2-yard run (pass failed), 11:42. Bills 26–14. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:59.
NE – Damien Harris 8-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:37. Bills 26–21. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:05.
BUF – Dawson Knox 2-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 2:30. Bills 33–21. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:07.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 14/32, 145 yards, 2 INT
BUF – Josh Allen – 30/47, 314 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 18 rushes, 103 yards, 3 TD
BUF – Josh Allen – 12 rushes, 64 yards
Top receivers
NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 59 yards
BUF – Isaiah McKenzie – 11 receptions, 125 yards, TD :
This was the first time in five years the Pats and the Bills split the season series. Because of this loss (their second straight after a bye week), the Pats fell to the #6 seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Bills did not have a single punt in this game.

#### Week 17: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Patriots | 7 | 21 | 13 | 9 | 50 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: January 2
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
* Game attendance: 65,878
* Referee: Adrian Hill
* TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burress
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
NE – Damien Harris 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:49. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 7:03.
JAX – Matthew Wright 29-yard field goal, 2:18. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:31.
Second quarter
NE – Damien Harris 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 12:02. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:16.
NE – Kristian Wilkerson 6-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:40. Patriots 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:37.
NE – Jakobi Meyers 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:48. Patriots 28–3. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 1:11.
Third quarter
NE – Kristian Wilkerson 20-yard pass from Mac Jones (kick blocked), 11:14. Patriots 34–3. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:46.
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:42. Patriots 41–3. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03.
Fourth quarter
NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 11:46. Patriots 44–3. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:28.
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 6-yard run (run failed), 7:07. Patriots 50–3. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:46.
JAX – Dare Ogunbowale 28-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Matthew Wright kick), 3:48. Patriots 50–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:19.
Top passers
JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 17/27, 193 yards, TD, 3 INT
NE – Mac Jones – 22/30, 227 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
JAX – Dare Ogunbowale – 9 rushes, 36 yards
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 19 rushes, 107 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
JAX – Laquon Treadwell – 6 receptions, 87 yards
NE – Kendrick Bourne – 5 receptions, 76 yards :
A blowout win combined with a Dolphins loss sent the Patriots back to the postseason, following a 1-year absence.

#### Week 18: at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 0 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 24 |
| Dolphins | 14 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 33 |
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
* Date: January 9
* Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 76 °F (24 °C)
* Game attendance: 66,514
* Referee: Alex Kemp
* TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Jay Feely and Jenny Dell
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
MIA – Jaylen Waddle 7-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 7:34. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:26.
MIA – Xavien Howard 37-yard interception return (Jason Sanders kick), 6:07. Dolphins 14–0.
Second quarter
MIA – Jason Sanders 30-yard field goal 11:09. Dolphins 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 6:58.
NE – Brandon Bolden 15-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:36. Dolphins 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:33.
Third quarter
NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal 8:27. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 6:33.
MIA – Duke Johnson 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:31. Dolphins 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:56.
Fourth quarter
MIA – Jason Sanders 49-yard field goal 10:55. Dolphins 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 6:30.
NE – Brandon Bolden 18-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 6:32. Dolphins 27–17. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:23.
NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:53. Dolphins 27–24. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 1:56.
MIA – Sam Eguavoen 0-yard fumble return, 0:00. Dolphins 33–24.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 20/30, 261 yards, TD, INT
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 15/22, 109 yards, TD
Top rushers
NE – Brandon Bolden – 7 rushes, 46 yards, TD
MIA – Duke Johnson – 25 rushes, 117 yards, TD
Top receivers
NE – Hunter Henry – 5 receptions, 86 yards
MIA – Durham Smythe – 2 receptions, 32 yards :
This was the first time since 2000 that the Patriots were swept by the Dolphins.

### Standings
#### Division

AFC East :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(3)}$ Buffalo Bills | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 5–1 | 7–5 | 483 | 289 | W4 |
| $^{(6)}$ New England Patriots | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 3–3 | 8–4 | 462 | 303 | L1 |
| Miami Dolphins | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 6–6 | 341 | 373 | W1 |
| New York Jets | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 0–6 | 4–8 | 310 | 504 | L2 |

#### Conference

AFCvte :
| # | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
| Division winners ||||||||||||
| 1 | Tennessee Titans | South | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .472 | .480 | W3 |
| 2 | Kansas City Chiefs | West | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .538 | .517 | W1 |
| 3 | Buffalo Bills | East | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .472 | .428 | W4 |
| 4 | Cincinnati Bengals | North | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .472 | .462 | L1 |
| Wild cards ||||||||||||
| 5 | Las Vegas Raiders | West | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .510 | .515 | W4 |
| 6 | New England Patriots | East | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .481 | .394 | L1 |
| 7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | North | 9 | 7 | 1 | .559 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .521 | .490 | W2 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason ||||||||||||
| 8 | Indianapolis Colts | South | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .495 | .431 | L2 |
| 9 | Miami Dolphins | East | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .464 | .379 | W1 |
| 10 | Los Angeles Chargers | West | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .510 | .500 | L1 |
| 11 | Cleveland Browns | North | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .514 | .415 | W1 |
| 12 | Baltimore Ravens | North | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .531 | .460 | L6 |
| 13 | Denver Broncos | West | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .484 | .357 | L4 |
| 14 | New York Jets | East | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 0–6 | 4–8 | .512 | .426 | L2 |
| 15 | Houston Texans | South | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .498 | .397 | L2 |
| 16 | Jacksonville Jaguars | South | 3 | 14 | 0 | .176 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .512 | .569 | W1 |
| Tiebreakers ||||||||||||
| 1 2 Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory, claiming the No. 1 seed. 1 2 Las Vegas claimed the No. 5 seed over New England based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: Miami, Dallas, LA Chargers, Cleveland, and Indianapolis). 1 2 3 Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6). 1 2 Miami finished ahead of LA Chargers based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: New England, Las Vegas, Houston, Baltimore, and NY Giants). 1 2 Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5). 1 2 NY Jets finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division. ||||||||||||

## Postseason
### Schedule

| Round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| Wild Card | January 15 | at Buffalo Bills (3) | L 17–47 | 0–1 | Highmark Stadium | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### AFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (3) Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Bills | 14 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 47 |
at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: January 15, 2022
* Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Clear, 7 °F (−14 °C)
* Game attendance: 69,188
* Referee: Brad Allen
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn
* Recap, Game Book
Game information :
First quarter
BUF – Dawson Knox 8-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 9:45. Bills 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:15.
BUF – Dawson Knox 11-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 0:40. Bills 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:00.
Second quarter
BUF – Devin Singletary 3-yard run (kick blocked), 7:20. Bills 20–0. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 6:03.
BUF – Devin Singletary 16-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 1:53 . Bills 27–0. Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 1:51.
NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:01. Bills 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 1:52.
Third quarter
BUF – Emmanuel Sanders 34-yard pass from Josh Allen (kick blocked), 8:48. Bills 33–3. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 4:05.
NE – Kendrick Bourne 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:12. Bills 33–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:36.
Fourth quarter
BUF – Gabe Davis 19-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 13:22. Bills 40–10. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:50.
BUF – Tommy Doyle 1-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 8:37. Bills 47–10. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:36.
NE – Kendrick Bourne 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 1:44. Bills 47–17. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 6:53.
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 24/38, 232 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
BUF – Josh Allen – 21/25, 308 yards, 5 TD
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 9 rushes, 30 yards
BUF – Devin Singletary – 16 rushes, 81 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
NE – Kendrick Bourne – 7 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD
BUF – Dawson Knox – 5 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD :
In New England's first playoff game since the departure of quarterback Tom Brady, they were unable to stop the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen defensively, with the Bills being the first team in NFL history to never punt, kick a field goal or turn the ball over on any of their drives (every Buffalo offensive possession ended in a touchdown or was the end of the game). It was the New England Patriots' worst playoff loss since Super Bowl XX.

## Statistics
### Team

| Category | Total yards | Yards per game | NFL rank (out of 32) |
| Passing offense | 3,857 | 226.9 | 14th |
| Rushing offense | 2,151 | 126.5 | 8th |
| Total offense | 6,008 | 353.4 | 15th |
| Passing defense | 3,181 | 187.1 | 2nd |
| Rushing defense | 2,103 | 123.7 | 22nd |
| Total defense | 5,284 | 310.8 | 4th |

### Individual

| Category | Player | Total yards |
| Offense |||
| Passing yards | Mac Jones | 3,801 |
| Passing touchdowns | Mac Jones | 22 |
| Rushing | Damien Harris | 929 |
| Rushing touchdowns | Damien Harris | 15 |
| Receiving yards | Jakobi Meyers | 866 |
| Receiving touchdowns | Hunter Henry | 9 |
| Defense |||
| Tackles (Solo) | Kyle Dugger | 70 |
| Sacks | Matthew Judon | 12.5 |
| Interceptions | J. C. Jackson | 8 |
Statistics correct as of the end of the 2021 NFL season