62nd season in franchise history
The2021 season was theNew England Patriots ' 52nd in theNational Football League (NFL), their 62nd overall, their 20th playing home games atGillette Stadium , and their 22nd underhead coach Bill Belichick .
Following the team's 7–9 finish theprevious season , their first losing record since2000 , 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 linebackerMatthew Judon , tight endsHunter Henry andJonnu Smith , cornerbackJalen Mills , and wide receiversKendrick Bourne andNelson Agholor . In the2021 NFL draft , New England selected quarterbackMac Jones 15th overall, marking the first time the Patriots drafted a first-round quarterback sinceDrew 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 awild card berth. In their first playoff appearance without quarterbackTom Brady since1998 and their first as a wild card under Belichick, they were defeated 47–17 by the division rivalBuffalo Bills , the worst postseason loss of Belichick's tenure. The playoff game was also the Patriots' last with Belichick.
Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract C David Andrews New England Patriots March 22, 2021[ 1] 4 years, $19 million[ 2] CB Justin Bethel New England Patriots March 12, 2021[ 3] 3 years, $6 million[ 2] FS Terrence Brooks Houston Texans March 23, 2021[ 4] 1 year, $1.75 million[ 5] RB Rex Burkhead Houston Texans June 1, 2021[ 4] 1 year, $1.5 million[ 6] DT Adam Butler Miami Dolphins March 18, 2021[ 7] 2 years, $7.5 million[ 8] WR Damiere Byrd Chicago Bears May 4, 2021[ 9] 1 year, $1.128 million[ 10] OLB Shilique Calhoun San Francisco 49ers August 10, 2021[ 11] 1 year, $990,000[ 12] OLB Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons March 19, 2021[ 13] 1 year, $1.04 million[ 14] DT Carl Davis New England Patriots March 15, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.078 million[ 2] FS Cody Davis New England Patriots March 19, 2021[ 1] 2 years, $4.3 million[ 2] OT Jermaine Eluemunor Miami Dolphins June 14, 2021[ 7] 1 year, $1.128 million[ 15] C James Ferentz New England Patriots May 17, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.020 million[ 16] K Nick Folk New England Patriots March 23, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.625 million[ 17] DT Lawrence Guy New England Patriots March 30, 2021[ 1] 4 years, $11.5 million[ 2] QB Brian Hoyer New England Patriots May 18, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.075 million[ 18] CB Jason McCourty Miami Dolphins May 7, 2021[ 7] 1 year, $1.213 million[ 19] WR Donte Moncrief Houston Texans March 22, 2021[ 4] 1 year, $1.15 million[ 20] QB Cam Newton New England Patriots March 12, 2021[ 21] 1 year, $5.1 million[ 22] DE John Simon Tennessee Titans July 25, 2021[ 23] 1 year, $1.075 million[ 24] G Joe Thuney Kansas City Chiefs March 18, 2021[ 25] 5 years, $80 million[ 26] RB James White New England Patriots March 25, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $2.463 million[ 2] DE Deatrich Wise Jr. New England Patriots March 19, 2021[ 1] 4 years, $22 million[ 2]
Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract CB J. C. Jackson New England Patriots April 16, 2021[ 1] Tendered (second-round) for 1 year, $3.384 million[ 2]
[ edit ] Position Player Previous team Date signed Contract DE Montravius Adams Green Bay Packers March 19, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.095 million[ 27] WR Nelson Agholor Las Vegas Raiders 2 years, $22 million[ 2] DE Henry Anderson New York Jets 2 years, $7 million[ 2] WR Kendrick Bourne San Francisco 49ers 3 years, $15 million[ 2] TE Hunter Henry Los Angeles Chargers 3 years, $37.5 million[ 2] LB Matthew Judon Baltimore Ravens 4 years, $54.5 million[ 2] C Ted Karras Miami Dolphins 1 year, $3 million[ 2] LB Raekwon McMillan Las Vegas Raiders 1 year, $1.149 million[ 2] CB Jalen Mills Philadelphia Eagles 4 years, $24 million[ 2] TE Jonnu Smith Tennessee Titans 4 years, $50 million[ 2] LB Kyle Van Noy Miami Dolphins 2 years, $12 million[ 2] DT Davon Godchaux Miami Dolphins March 23, 2021[ 1] 2 years, $15 million[ 2] LB LaRoy Reynolds Atlanta Falcons March 24, 2021[ 28] 1 year, $1.213 million[ 29] LB Harvey Langi New York Jets May 10, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.057 million[ 2] G Alex Redmond Cincinnati Bengals May 17, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.080 million[ 30] LS Wesley Farnsworth Denver Broncos May 20, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $660,000[ 31] FS Adrian Colbert New York Giants May 21, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $990,000[ 32] RB Tyler Gaffney San Francisco 49ers 1 year, $660,000[ 33] TE Troy Fumagalli Denver Broncos May 27, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $850,000[ 34] WR Marvin Hall Cleveland Browns June 4, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $1.015 million[ 35] G R. J. Prince Baltimore Ravens June 17, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $780,000[ 36] WR Devin Ross New England Patriots June 21, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $660,000[ 37] TE David Wells New England Patriots July 23, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $660,000[ 38] QB Jake Dolegala Green Bay Packers July 28, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $780,000[ 39] OT Jerald Hawkins Pittsburgh Steelers July 30, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $920,000[ 40] LB Cassh Maluia New England Patriots August 7, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $780,000[ 41] LS Brian Khoury Baltimore Ravens August 9, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $660,000[ 42] SS Malik Gant New England Patriots August 10, 2021[ 1] 1 year, $660,000[ 43] TE Kahale Warring Houston Texans August 24, 2021[ 1] 4 years, $3.640 million[ 44] WR Malcolm Perry Miami Dolphins September 2, 2021[ 1] 4 years, 3.370 million[ 2] LB Jamie Collins Detroit Lions October 6, 2021[ 1] 1 year, 1.075 million[ 45]
Position Player Date released/waived DT Beau Allen March 18, 2021[ 1] WR Marqise Lee LB Cassh Maluia March 23, 2021[ 1] LB Michael Pinkney K Justin Rohrwasser G Ross Reynolds April 9, 2021[ 1] DT Michael Barnett April 12, 2021[ 1] C Dustin Woodard April 16, 2021[ 1] QB Jake Dolegala April 30, 2021[ 1] G Najee Toran May 18, 2021[ 1] LB LaRoy Reynolds May 27, 2021[ 1] FB Danny Vitale K Roberto Aguayo June 17, 2021[ 1] LS Wesley Farnsworth WR Devin Smith July 27, 2021[ 1] QB Jake Dolegala August 9, 2021[ 1] RB Tyler Gaffney August 10, 2021[ 1] DE Rashod Berry August 15, 2021[ 1] WR Marvin Hall TE David Wells OT Jerald Hawkins August 16, 2021[ 1] TE Troy Fumagalli August 17, 2021[ 1] SS Malik Gant August 24, 2021[ 1] LS Brian Khoury LB Cassh Maluia G R. J. Prince WR Devin Ross TE Kahale Warring August 27, 2021[ 1] DT Montravius Adams August 31, 2021[ 1] DE Tashawn Bower CB Myles Bryant FS Adrian Colbert OT Korey Cunningham C James Ferentz K Nick Folk QB Brian Hoyer CB Mike Jackson Sr. TE Matt LaCosse DT Bill Murray QB Cam Newton WR Tre Nixon G Alex Redmond CB D'Angelo Ross OT Will Sherman DT Akeem Spence DT Nick Thurman CB Dee Virgin WR Kristian Wilkerson WR Isaiah Zuber
Notes
TheCincinnati 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.[ 49] 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 a2019 game between theCincinnati Bengals andCleveland Browns .[ 50] TheHouston Texans ' 2021 fourth-round selection (No. 122 overall) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 188 overall) were acquired in a trade that sentoffensive tackle Marcus Cannon , the Patriots'2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and the previously acquiredDallas Cowboys 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) to the Texans.[ 51] A sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) was acquired in a trade that sentwide receiver Demaryius Thomas to theNew York Jets .[ 52] 2020 fourth-round selections and this 2021 sixth-round selection in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection.[ 53] An additional sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) was obtained in the trade that sentdefensive end Michael Bennett to theDallas Cowboys .[ 54] Undrafted free agents [ edit ] 2021 New England Patriots staff Front office
Chairman/CEO –Robert Kraft President –Jonathan Kraft Director of player personnel –Dave Ziegler Personnel coordinator – Brian Smith College scouting coordinator – Matt Groh Pro scouting coordinator –Steve Cargile Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier National scout – Camren Williams Director of football/head coach administration – Berj Najarian Associate director of football administration – Bobby Brown Scouting consultant –Eliot Wolf Director of research – Richard Miller Senior football advisor –Matt Patricia Research and analysis/coaching –Evan Rothstein Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches Special teams coaches
Special teams coordinator –Cam Achord Special teams assistant – Joe Houston Strength and conditioning
Head strength and conditioning –Moses Cabrera Strength and conditioning assistant –Deron Mayo Director of skill development – Joe Kim
The Patriots'2021 schedule was announced on May 12.[ 56]
Note: Intra-division opponents are inbold text.
Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins [ edit ] Game information First quarter
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 fromMac 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
Top rushers
Top receivers
In rookie quarterbackMac Jones ' first NFL start, a back-and-forth affair against divisional opponent Miami was sealed when Patriots running backDamien Harris fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter, allowing the Dolphins to run out the clock.[ 57]
Week 2: at New York Jets [ edit ] Week 2: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total Patriots 10 3 9 3 25 Jets 0 3 0 3 6
atMetLife Stadium ,East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date : September 19Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)Game attendance : 75,626Referee :Shawn Hochuli TV announcers (CBS) : Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie CollinsRecap ,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
A battle of rookie quarterbacks sawZach 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.[ 58]
Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints [ edit ] Week 3: New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total Saints 7 7 7 7 28 Patriots 0 3 3 7 13
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Game information First quarter
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 fromMac 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
Jones threw three interceptions, including a pass bobbled by tight endJonnu Smith before being returned byP. J. Williams for a touchdown, as the Patriots lost to the Saints 28–13 and dropped to 1–2.[ 59]
Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ edit ] Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total Buccaneers 3 3 7 6 19 Patriots 0 7 0 10 17
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
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 fromMac 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
Top receivers
This game marked former Patriots quarterbackTom Brady 's first return to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots after the2019 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, butNick Folk 's 56-yard attempt hit the left upright, sealing the loss for the Patriots to their former franchise quarterback.[ 60] 2000 , the Patriots fell to 1-3.
Week 5: at Houston Texans [ edit ] Week 5: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 3 4 Total Patriots 0 9 6 10 25 Texans 6 9 7 0 22
atNRG Stadium ,Houston, Texas
Game information First quarter
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 fromMac 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
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 theAtlanta Falcons to winSuper 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.[ 61]
Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys [ edit ] Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots – Game summary
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
Game information First quarter
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
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 [ edit ] Week 7: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
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 24Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : Sunny, 54 °F (12 °C)Game attendance : 65,878Referee :Brad Rogers TV announcers (CBS) : Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda BalionisRecap ,Game Book
Game information First quarter
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 fromMike White (Matt Ammendola kick), 10:39.Patriots 17–7.Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 3:31. NE –Brandon Bolden 15-yard pass fromMac 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 [ edit ] Game information First quarter
Second quarter
LAC –Keenan Allen 5-yard pass fromJustin 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
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 onOctober 12, 2008 in San Diego .
Week 9: at Carolina Panthers [ edit ] Game information First quarter
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 fromMac 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
Top passers
NE – Mac Jones – 12/18, 139 yards, TD, INT CAR –Sam Darnold – 16/33, 172 yards, 3 INT Top rushers
Top receivers
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 2 receptions, 44 yards CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 4 receptions, 54 yards
The Patriots interceptedPanthers quarterbackSam Darnold three times en route to victory, including an 88-yard pick-six byJ.C. Jackson . New England improved to 5–4 on the year and4–0 all-time vs. Darnold . This was also the Patriots first win over the Panthers since2009 .
Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns [ edit ] Week 10: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary
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 14Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)Game attendance : 65,878Referee : John HusseyTV announcers (CBS) : Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan WashburnRecap ,Game Book
Game information First quarter
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 fromBrian 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 theBrowns 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 quarterbackBaker Mayfield out of the game in the third quarter.[ 62] Damien Harris sidelined with a concussion from the Panthers game,[ 63] Rhamondre Stevenson served as the primary running back, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns.[ 62] Brian Hoyer replaced Jones and threw the pass that endedJakobi Meyers ' record touchdown drought.[ 64] 1995 , the Patriots improved to 6-4.
Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons [ edit ] 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 fromMac 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
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 , andFeleipe Franks —as New England coasted to their 6th win over Atlanta since2001 onThursday Night Football [ 65] AFC East division lead later in the week after theBuffalo Bills lost to theIndianapolis Colts .
Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans [ edit ] Week 12: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – Game summary
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 28Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)Game attendance : 65,878Referee :Alex Kemp TV announcers (CBS) : Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan WashburnRecap ,Game Book
Game information First quarter
Second quarter
TEN –Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 1-yard pass fromRyan 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
Top receivers
The Patriots defense put up a show against a banged upTitans 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 [ edit ] Game information First quarter
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
The Patriots entered the game in first place in the AFC following theBaltimore 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;[ 66] Week 17 game in Buffalo in 2008 were "way worse".[ 67]
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.[ 66] [ 68]
The Patriots defense was also stout: the Bills' only touchdown came after aN'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.[ 69] 2025 .
Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts [ edit ] Game information First quarter
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 fromMac 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
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 the2009 season.[ 70]
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills [ edit ] Week 16: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
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 26Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)Game attendance : 65,878Referee :Shawn Smith TV announcers (CBS) : Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan WashburnRecap ,Game Book
Game information First quarter
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 [ edit ] Week 17: Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – Game summary
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 2Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)Game attendance : 65,878Referee :Adrian Hill TV announcers (CBS) : Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree BurressRecap ,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 fromMac 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 fromTrevor 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
With the blowout win, alongside Tennessee's win over Miami, the Patriots clinched their 12th playoff berth in 13 years after a 1 year absence. As of 2024, this marked the last time the Patriots clinched a playoff berth
Week 18: at Miami Dolphins [ edit ] Game information First quarter
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 fromMac 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
Top receivers
With the loss, the Patriots not only failed to defeat Miami for the first time since 2000, but due to Buffalo's win over the Jets meant the Patriots would lose the AFC East to the Bills for second year in a row. Instead, the Pats would clinch the #6 seed following a Raiders win.
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK Division winners 1[ a] Tennessee Titans South 12 5 0 .706 5–1 8–4 .472 .480 W3 2[ a] 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[ b] Las Vegas Raiders West 10 7 0 .588 3–3 8–4 .510 .515 W4 6[ b] 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[ c] Indianapolis Colts South 9 8 0 .529 3–3 7–5 .495 .431 L2 9[ c] [ d] Miami Dolphins East 9 8 0 .529 4–2 6–6 .464 .379 W1 10[ c] [ d] Los Angeles Chargers West 9 8 0 .529 3–3 6–6 .510 .500 L1 11[ e] Cleveland Browns North 8 9 0 .471 3–3 5–7 .514 .415 W1 12[ e] 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[ f] New York Jets East 4 13 0 .235 0–6 4–8 .512 .426 L2 15[ f] 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 [ g] ^a b Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory, claiming the No. 1 seed. ^a b 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). ^a b c Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6). ^a b 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). ^a b Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5). ^a b 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.
[ edit ] Game information First quarter
BUF –Dawson Knox 8-yard pass fromJosh 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 fromMac 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 quarterbackTom Brady , they were unable to stop the Bills and quarterbackJosh 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).[ 71] Super Bowl XX .
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
Statistics correct as of the end of the2021 NFL season [ 72] [ 73]
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Franchise Stadiums Culture Lore Rivalries Division championships (22) Conference championships (11) League championships (6) Retired numbers Media Current league affiliations Former league affiliation
Formerly theBoston Patriots (1960–1970)
