3 Biggest Upsets the Patriots Will Win on the 2024 Schedule

Week 18: Buffalo Bills at Patriots

Even in last year's abysmal 4-13 season, the Patriots managed to pull out a win against the Buffalo Bills at home in a 29-25 upset win in Week 7 on a last-second touchdown. New England hung in there in their Week 17 game at Buffalo as well, losing 27-21. Divisional games are almost always a dogfight that comes with no guarantees, and even amidst a disastrous 2023 season, the Patriots played the Bills well.

After the trade of star receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason, the new look Buffalo offense could sputter. A team with Josh Allen under center should always be competitive, but it would be foolish to suggest that there are no question marks. Heck, there were serious conversations that head coach Sean McDermott could be fired last season, especially after coming up short yet again in the playoffs. It is hard to feel like the Bills are better than they were a year ago.

Depending on the playoff implications (or lack thereof) for Buffalo in Week 18, we could also potentially see them rest key players. Another exciting possibility for Patriots fans? A later date in the season suggests a higher probability of the offense could be in the hands of rookie Drake Maye. If Maye is going to play at all in 2024, then he would almost assuredly be the team's starter under center in Week 18. Even if Maye and co. don't pull out a win, it will be entertainment to watch him face off against a divisional opponent.

Week 11: Los Angeles Rams at Patriots

On Nov. 17, the Patriots will welcome in the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11 in a Super Bowl LII rematch. The Rams finished the season on a hot streak in 2023, winning seven of their last eight games to earn a playoff berth. L.A. was knocked out by the Detroit Lions in a tightly fought Wild Card Round matchup, but will be looking to build on that late season momentum going into 2024.

The rationale for this upset might be less about New England, and more about the Rams. West Coast teams playing at 1:00 p.m. on the East Coast has historically been a trap game for those West Coast teams, and the Patriots will definitely hope that they can catch Los Angeles sleepwalking.

Although not as likely as Week 18, there is a chance the Patriots fans will see Drake Maye under center in Week 11. Obviously, there are no shortage of unknowns with the rookie quarterback, but if Maye is able to showcase the promise that earned him the honor of being the third overall selection. The offense could get a boost with the quarterback change as well. Between the travel for the Rams and the possibility of Maye under center, could the Rams be on upset alert in Week 1?

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