Many NFL experts and statistical models agree -- the New England Patriots have one of the easiest schedules for the 2019 NFL season.
Of course, an easy schedule guarantees nothing, but the Patriots, at least on paper, have a strong chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and another first-round bye.
The latest analysis of the upcoming regular season schedule comes from Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders (writing for ESPN.com). Using the advanced metric DVOA, the Patriots project to have the easiest schedule in the league. Here's the final DVOA tally for the Patriots:
32. New England Patriots
Adjusted projected DVOA of 2019 opponents: minus-4.9%
Hardest schedule stretch: Weeks 9-13 (at Ravens off their bye, bye, at Eagles, vs. Cowboys, at Texans with extra rest)
This isn't the first analysis of the 2019 schedule that has shown the Patriots' easy path forward. CBS Sports' recent study, which featured three main factors, concluded the Pats have the easiest road to Super Bowl LIV. If you look at just opponents' win percentage from last season, New England's upcoming schedule is the second-softest in the league.
The Patriots' toughest opponents arguably are the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. The matchups with the Chiefs and Cowboys are at home, and the trip to Houston shouldn't be a huge concern given the Patriots' dominance over the Texans and the fact they've won two Super Bowl titles at NRG Stadium (most recently in 2016). The showdown against the Eagles in Philly should be the Pats' toughest road test of the campaign, and it might even be a Super Bowl preview.
New England Patriots
New England also has the luxury of playing four of its final six games at Gillette Stadium, where they were unbeatable in 2018 with an 8-0 record. Two of the last three matchups are against the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins -- two teams many experts expect to battle for the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
There will be few (if any) excuses for the Patriots if they don't earn at least a first-round bye come January.
Updated look at Patriots' 2020 draft picks after recent trades>>>
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