New England Patriots Schedule: 2023 NFL Games, Strength Of Schedule, Fantasy Outlooks

The New England Patriots may be in the most challenging division in the NFL, and the level of competition only seems to be getting tougher.

To make matters worse, the schedule makers haven't done them any favors. Their path to a winning season will be a difficult one, with each opponent presenting challenges every step of the way.

How will this challenging road ahead affect the outcome of their season? What implications will it have on the fantasy football players on their squad? Let's take a look and examine this situation further.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

How Tough Is The Patriot's 2023 Schedule?

When you have teams like the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and the significantly improved New York Jets (who acquired Aaron Rodgers) all in your division, you would hope that the rest of your schedule would be somewhat easier. Well, that won't be the case this upcoming season for the boys from Foxboro, MA this upcoming season. They not only need to show improvement from last year but also do so while facing stiff competition throughout their schedule.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones experienced regression in his sophomore season, and while the team made some off-season additions to support him, it might not be enough. The signing of free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, along with tight end Mike Gesicki and running back James Robinson, was intended to bolster a lackluster offensive attack.

With superstar players like QB Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Tyreek Hill, and Stefon Diggs in their division, the Patriots needed to keep pace and unfortunately fell short. Furthermore, their 2023 schedule poses significant challenges right off the bat as they face the powerhouse Eagles followed and a showdown with the high-flying Cowboys in Dallas within the first month. Later in the season, they will have difficult road matchups with the Raiders and Giants, and perhaps their most challenging point comes in Week 15 when they go up against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

2023 Patriots Schedule Analysis for Fantasy Football

One criticism of the Patriots in recent years has been the lack of true "star" players on their roster. Unlike many other top contenders, the Pats just lack big-time players. This issue also extends to the fantasy football world, where none of the players in New England are considered bona fide fantasy studs, with the exception of running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

Stevenson should continue to dominate in 2023, delivering monster numbers for fantasy owners once again. However, beyond him, there are limited options on the Patriots' roster that hold much fantasy value. While JuJu and Gesicki can be considered decent options at their respective positions, there isn't another offensive player who warrants consideration in fantasy drafts.

The Pats will certainly face tough defenses this season, including the Eagles in the opener, as well as tough matchups against the Cowboys, Broncos, and Bills. Does that mean you should sit Stevenson in any of those games? Absolutely not. Just don't expect too many other Patriots to be selected early in fantasy drafts this summer. 

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