2020 New England Patriots season

61st season in franchise history; first losing season since 2000

2020 New England Patriots season

Owner| Robert Kraft
General manager| Bill Belichick
Head coach| Bill Belichick
Home stadium| Gillette Stadium
Results
Record| 7–9
Division place| 3rd AFC East
Playoffs| Did not qualify
All-Pros| PR Gunner Olszewski (1st team)
P Jake Bailey (1st team)
ST Matthew Slater (2nd team)
Pro Bowlers| CB Stephon Gilmore
ST Matthew Slater
P Jake Bailey
Uniform

* ← 2019
* Patriots seasons
* 2021 →

The 2020 season was the New England Patriots' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 61st overall, and their 21st under head coach Bill Belichick.

It was the first season since 1999 without quarterback Tom Brady on the roster, as he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady led the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six, and had been their primary starting quarterback from 2001 to 2019, and would go on to win Super Bowl LV with his new team, his seventh overall.[1][2] The Patriots signed long-time Carolina Panthers quarterback and 2015 MVP Cam Newton on June 29, and named him the starting quarterback on September 3.[3]

The Patriots attempted to win their 12th consecutive AFC East title and their first since 1997 without Tom Brady. However, they saw many key players opt out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns and battled numerous injuries throughout the season. They began the season 2–5, their worst record through 7 games since 2000. They failed to improve on their 12–4 record from the previous season following a Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and failed to match that record following a Week 8 loss to the division rival Buffalo Bills. Following a Sunday Night win by the Bills over the Steelers in week 14, the Patriots failed to win their division for the first time since 2008, and they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2008 with a Week 15 loss to the Dolphins, ending their winning season streak at 19. This leaves the record to the Dallas Cowboys at 20 consecutive winning seasons from 1966 to 1985. After their blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in week 16, the New England Patriots finished the 2020 season with a losing record for the first time since 2000. This allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to be the only team from 2004 to 2020 to finish without a single losing season. This was also the first season since 2014 in which the Patriots did not face the Steelers.

This was only the third time after 2000 and the first time since 2008 in which the Patriots missed the playoffs and failed to win the division.[4][5] With their 11-year streak of playoff appearances snapped, the Kansas City Chiefs now hold the league's longest playoff streak, making the playoffs every year since 2015. In addition, New England's streak of 10+ win seasons that dated back to their 2003 Super Bowl-winning season, which was an NFL record, also came to an end following a Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.[6]

For the season, the Patriots adopted a modified version of their Color Rush jerseys as their primary home uniform while introducing a new road uniform for the first time since 2000.[7]

This was also the final season of Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman’s career. He played his final game in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. He underwent precautionary surgery for a chronic knee injury and did not return for the remainder of the season. On April 12, 2021, he announced his retirement from the NFL.

## Roster changes

[edit]

### Free agency

[edit]

#### Unrestricted

[edit]

Position  | Player  | 2020 team  | Date signed  | Contract

|
|
|
|

QB | Tom Brady | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | March 20, 2020[8] | 2 years, $50 million[9]
DE | Shilique Calhoun | New England Patriots  | March 24, 2020[10] | 1 year, $1.5 million[11]
OLB | Jamie Collins | Detroit Lions | March 25, 2020[12] | 3 years, $30 million[13]
WR | Phillip Dorsett | Seattle Seahawks | March 30, 2020[14] | 1 year, $1 million[15]
FS | Nate Ebner | New York Giants | March 26, 2020[16] | 1 year, $2 million[17]
C | James Ferentz | New England Patriots  | September 16, 2020[18] | 1 year, $825,000[19]
K | Nick Folk | New England Patriots  | August 24, 2020[20] | 1 year, $1,05 million[21]
C | Ted Karras | Miami Dolphins | March 20, 2020[22] | 1 year, $4 million[23]
FS | Devin McCourty | New England Patriots  | March 17, 2020[24] | 2 years, $23 million[25]
OT | Marshall Newhouse | Tennessee Titans | November 27, 2020[26] | 1 year, $72,000[27]
MLB | Elandon Roberts | Miami Dolphins  | March 24, 2020[28] | 1 year, $2 million[29]
DT | Danny Shelton | Detroit Lions  | March 24, 2020[30] | 2 years, $8 million[31]
WR | Matthew Slater | New England Patriots  | March 13, 2020[32] | 2 years, $5.3 million[33]
G | Joe Thuney | New England Patriots  | March 20, 2020[34] | Signed franchise tender worth 1 year, $14.8 million[35]
OLB | Kyle Van Noy | Miami Dolphins  | March 21, 2020[36] | 4 years, $51 million[37]

#### Restricted

[edit]

Position  | Player  | 2020 team  | Date signed  | Contract

|
|
|
|

DT | Adam Butler | New England Patriots  | April 17, 2020[38] | Signed tender worth $3.3 million[39]
G | Jermaine Eluemunor | New England Patriots  | April 16, 2020[40] | Signed tender worth $2.1 million[41]

#### Exclusive-Rights

[edit]

Position  | Player  | 2020 team  | Date signed  | Contract

|
|
|
|

DE | Keionta Davis | New England Patriots  | March 17, 2020[42] | 1 year, $675,000[43]

#### Signings

[edit]

Position  | Player  | Previous team  | Date signed  | Contract

|
|
|
|

DT | Beau Allen | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | March 20, 2020[44] | 2 years, $7 million[45]
S | Adrian Phillips | Los Angeles Chargers | March 21, 2020[46] | 2 years, $6 million[47]
FB | Danny Vitale | Green Bay Packers | March 21, 2020[48] | 1 year, $1.3 million[49]
WR | Damiere Byrd | Arizona Cardinals | March 23, 2020[50] | 1 year, $1.4 million[51]
FS  | Cody Davis | Jacksonville Jaguars | March 23, 2020[52] | 1 year, $1.5 million[53]
OLB | Brandon Copeland | New York Jets | March 25, 2020[54] | 1 year, $1.1 million[55]
QB | Brian Hoyer | Indianapolis Colts | March 25, 2020[56] | 1 year, $1.1 million[57]
WR | Marqise Lee | Jacksonville Jaguars | April 28, 2020[58] | 1 year, $1.1 million[59]
QB  | Cam Newton | Carolina Panthers | July 8, 2020[60] | 1 year, $7.5 million[61]
WR  | Will Hastings | New England Patriots  | July 27, 2020[62] | 1 year, $610,000[63]
QB  | Brian Lewerke | New England Patriots  | July 30, 2020[64] | 1 year, $610,000[65]
WR  | Isaiah Zuber | New England Patriots  | August 5, 2020[66] | 1 year, $610,000[67]
DT  | Darius Kilgo | Detroit Lions | August 11, 2020[68] | 1 year, $825,000[69]
C | Tyler Gauthier | Jacksonville Jaguars  | August 12, 2020[70] | 1 year, $675,000[71]
RB | Lamar Miller | Houston Texans | August 13, 2020[72] | 1 year, $2.55 million[73]
G | Ben Braden | New York Jets  | August 17, 2020[74] | 1 year, $675,000[75]
TE | Paul Butler | Oakland Raiders | 1 year, $610,000[76]
TE  | Alex Ellis | Philadelphia Eagles | 1 year, $825,000[77]
TE  | Paul Quessenberry | N/A  | August 22, 2020[78] | 3 years, $2.3 million[79]
DT  | Xavier Williams | Kansas City Chiefs | 1 year, $910,000[80]
WR  | Andre Baccellia | Kansas City Chiefs  | August 29, 2020[81] | 1 year, $610,000[82]
| Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2019 season.

|

### Releases/waivers

[edit]

Position  | Player  | 2020 team  | Date released/waived

|
|
|

K | Stephen Gostkowski | Tennessee Titans | March 23, 2020[83]
QB | Cody Kessler |  | April 1, 2020[83]
DE | Keionta Davis |  | April 27, 2020[84]
S | Obi Melifonwu |
CB | Lenzy Pipkins |  | July 25, 2020[85]
S  | Malik Gant |  | July 26, 2020[86]
WR | Will Hastings |
QB  | Brian Lewerke |
S  | Adarius Pickett |
WR  | Sean Riley |
QB  | J'Mar Smith |
LB | Kyahva Tezino |
DT | Courtney Wallace |
WR  | Isaiah Zuber | New England Patriots
DE  | Nick Coe | Miami Dolphins | August 13, 2020[72]
WR  | Quincy Adeboyejo | New England Patriots  | August 15, 2020[87]
TE | Alex Ellis |  | August 22, 2020[78]
DT  | Darius Kilgo | Denver Broncos
WR  | Will Hastings  |  | August 28, 2020[88]
DT  | Michael Barnett |  | September 3, 2020[89]
CB  | Mike Jackson Sr. | New England Patriots
WR  | Mohamed Sanu | San Francisco 49ers
WR  | Andre Baccellia |  | September 5, 2020[90]
TE  | Rashod Berry | New England Patriots
DE  | Tashawn Bower | New England Patriots
G | Ben Braden | Green Bay Packers
CB  | Myles Bryant | New England Patriots
TE  | Jake Burt | New England Patriots
TE  | Paul Butler |
K  | Nick Folk | New England Patriots
C | Tyler Gauthier | Miami Dolphins
LB  | Terez Hall | New England Patriots
LB  | De'Jon Harris | Green Bay Packers
QB  | Brian Lewerke  |
LB  | Cassh Maluia | New England Patriots
RB | Lamar Miller | Chicago Bears
DT  | Bill Murray | New England Patriots
TE  | Paul Quessenberry | New England Patriots
K  | Justin Rohrwasser | New England Patriots
CB  | D'Angelo Ross | New England Patriots
WR  | Devin Ross | New England Patriots
RB  | J. J. Taylor | New England Patriots
WR  | Jeff Thomas |
DE  | Nick Thurman | New England Patriots
DT  | Xavier Williams | Cincinnati Bengals
WR  | Isaiah Zuber  | New England Patriots
LB  | Cassh Maluia  | New England Patriots  | November 10, 2020[91]
G  | Hjalte Froholdt | Houston Texans | November 21, 2020[92]
LB  | Derek Rivers | Los Angeles Rams
WR  | Isaiah Ford | Miami Dolphins  | December 5, 2020[93]

### Retirements

[edit]

Position  | Player  | Date retired

|
|

TE | Benjamin Watson | March 18, 2020[94]
FB | James Develin | April 27, 2020[95]
C | Dustin Woodard | August 13, 2020[72]

### Trades

[edit]

* March 18: the Patriots traded safety Duron Harmon and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) to the Detroit Lions in exchange for the Lions' 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall).[96]
* April 21: the Patriots traded tight end Rob Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for the Buccaneers' fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall).[97]
* August 9: the Patriots traded a conditional 2022 seventh-round selection to the Detroit Lions in exchange for cornerback Mike Jackson Sr.[98]
* November 3: the Patriots traded a 2022 seventh-round selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for wide receiver Isaiah Ford.[99]

## Draft

[edit]

Main article: 2020 NFL draft

2020 New England Patriots Draft  Round | Selection | Player | Position | College  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|

2 | 37  | Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne | from Los Angeles Chargers
60  | Josh Uche | OLB | Michigan | from Baltimore
3  | 87  | Anfernee Jennings | OLB | Alabama |
91  | Devin Asiasi | TE | UCLA | from Las Vegas
101  | Dalton Keene | TE  | Virginia Tech | from Seattle via New York Jets
5  | 159  | Justin Rohrwasser | K | Marshall | from Las Vegas
6 | 182  | Michael Onwenu | G | Michigan  | from Detroit via Indianapolis
195  | Justin Herron | OT  | Wake Forest | from Denver
204  | Cassh Maluia | MLB | Wyoming | from Houston
7 | 230  | Dustin Woodard | C | Memphis | from Atlanta

Notes

* New England traded a 2020 first-round selection (No. 23 overall) to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2020 second-round selection (No. 37 overall) and a 2020 third-round selection (No. 71 overall).
* New England traded a 2020 second-round selection (No. 55 overall) to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
* New England acquired a 2020 second-round selection (No. 60 overall) and a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 129 overall) in exchange for two 2020 third-round selections (No. 71 overall and No. 98 overall).
* New England acquired a 2020 third-round selection (No. 91 overall) and a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 159 overall) in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection (No. 100 overall), a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall), and a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall).
* New England acquired a 2020 third-round selection (No. 101 overall) in exchange for two 2020 fourth-round selections (No. 125 overall and No. 129 overall) and a 2021 sixth-round selection.
* New England acquired a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 125 overall) as part of a trade that sent their 2019 third- and sixth-round selections to the Chicago Bears.
* New England acquired a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall) as part of a trade that sent tight end Rob Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
* New England traded a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 129 overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall).
* New England traded a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 168 overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) and defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
* New England acquired a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall) as a part of a trade that sent safety Duron Harmon and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) to the Detroit Lions.
* New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 182 overall) as part of a trade that sent two 2020 sixth-round selections (No. 212 overall and No. 213 overall) to the Indianapolis Colts.
* New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 195 overall) as part of a trade that sent cornerback Duke Dawson and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 237 overall) to the Denver Broncos.
* New England traded a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 202 overall) to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for offensive tackle Korey Cunningham.
* New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 204 overall) as part of a trade that sent cornerback Keion Crossen to the Houston Texans.
* New England traded a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for center Russell Bodine.
* New England acquired a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 230 overall) as part of a trade that sent safety Jordan Richards to the Atlanta Falcons.
* New England acquired a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) as part of a trade that sent tight end Jacob Hollister to the Seattle Seahawks. As the result of the negative differential of free agent signings and departures that the Patriots experienced during the first wave of the 2019 free agency period, the team received the league-maximum four compensatory selections for the 2020 draft.[100] Free agent transactions that occurred after May 7, 2019 did not factor into the team's formula for determining compensatory selections.[101]

### Undrafted free agents

[edit]

Position  | Player  | Date signed

|
|

TE | Rashod Berry | May 5, 2020[102]
CB | Myles Bryant
TE  | Jake Burt
DE | Nick Coe
LB | De'Jon Harris
WR | Will Hastings
QB | Brian Lewerke
DT | Bill Murray
WR  | Sean Riley
QB  | J'Mar Smith
RB | J. J. Taylor
LB  | Kyahva Tezino
WR  | Jeff Thomas
DT  | Courtney Wallace
WR  | Isaiah Zuber
DT  | Michael Barnett | August 24, 2020[103]

## Staff

[edit]

2020 New England Patriots staff |

Front office

* Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
* President – Jonathan Kraft
* Director of player personnel – Nick Caserio
* Assistant director of player personnel – Dave Ziegler
* College scouting coordinator – Brian Smith
* Director of pro personnel – Vacant
* Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier
* Football research director – Ernie Adams
* Director of football/head coach administration – Berj Najarian
* Scouting consultant – Eliot Wolf

Head coaches

* Head coach – Bill Belichick

Offensive coaches

* Offensive coordinator – Josh McDaniels
* Quarterbacks – Jedd Fisch
* Running backs/kick returners – Troy Brown
* Running backs – Ivan Fears
* Wide receivers – Mick Lombardi
* Tight ends/fullbacks – Nick Caley
* Offensive line – Carmen Bricillo
* Offensive line – Cole Popovich
* Offensive assistant – Tyler Hughes

|  |  | Defensive coaches

* Defensive line – DeMarcus Covington
* Inside linebackers – Jerod Mayo
* Outside linebackers – Steve Belichick
* Cornerbacks – Mike Pellegrino
* Safeties – Brian Belichick
* Defensive assistant – Vinnie Sunseri

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

|
|
|
|

## Final roster

[edit]

2020 New England Patriots roster Quarterbacks (QB)

*  2 Brian Hoyer
*  1 Cam Newton
*  4 Jarrett Stidham

Running backs (RB)

* 47 Jakob Johnson FB
* 26 Sony Michel
* 42 J. J. Taylor
* 28 James White

Wide receivers (WR)

* 10 Damiere Byrd
* 15 N'Keal Harry
* 16 Jakobi Meyers
* 14 Donte Moncrief KR
* 80 Gunner Olszewski PR
* 18 Matthew Slater

Tight ends (TE)

* 86 Devin Asiasi
* 44 Dalton Keene

|  | Offensive linemen (OL)

* 60 David Andrews C
* 74 Korey Cunningham T
* 72 Jermaine Eluemunor G
* 66 James Ferentz C
* 75 Justin Herron T
* 68 Marcus Martin C
* 69 Shaq Mason G
* 71 Michael Onwenu T
* 62 Joe Thuney G

Defensive linemen (DL)

* 43 Rashod Berry DE
* 70 Adam Butler DE
* 99 Byron Cowart DT
* 93 Lawrence Guy DT
* 52 Akeem Spence DT
* 50 Chase Winovich DE
* 91 Deatrich Wise Jr. DE

|  | Linebackers (LB)

* 51 Ja'Whaun Bentley MLB
* 90 Shilique Calhoun OLB
* 59 Terez Hall OLB
* 58 Anfernee Jennings OLB
* 46 Cassh Maluia MLB
* 55 John Simon OLB

Defensive backs (DB)

* 29 Justin Bethel SS
* 25 Terrence Brooks FS
* 41 Myles Bryant CB
* 22 Cody Davis FS
* 35 Kyle Dugger SS
* 27 J. C. Jackson CB
* 45 Mike Jackson Sr. CB
* 31 Jonathan Jones CB
* 32 Devin McCourty FS
* 30 Jason McCourty CB
* 21 Adrian Phillips SS
* 38 Dee Virgin CB
* 33 Joejuan Williams CB

Special teams (ST)

*  7 Jake Bailey P
* 49 Joe Cardona LS
*  6 Nick Folk K

|  | Practice squad

*  9 Roberto Aguayo K
* 65 Caleb Benenoch G (PS/I)
* 82 Jake Burt TE (PS/I)
*  8 Jake Dolegala QB
* 94 Isaiah Mack DT (COVID-19)
* 97 Bill Murray DT
* 48 Michael Pinckney LB (Susp.)
* 64 Ross Reynolds G
*  5 Justin Rohrwasser K
* 39 D'Angelo Ross CB
* 13 Devin Smith WR
* 67 Jordan Steckler T
* 92 Nick Thurman DT
* 17 Kristian Wilkerson WR
* 19 Isaiah Zuber WR

Reserve

* 19 Quincy Adeboyejo WR (IR)
* 94 Beau Allen DT (IR)
* 76 Michael Barnett DT (IR)
* 38 Brandon Bolden RB (Opt-out)
* 96 Tashawn Bower DE (IR)
* 34 Rex Burkhead RB (IR)
* 77 Yodny Cajuste T (IR)
* 61 Marcus Cannon T (Opt-out)
* 23 Patrick Chung SS (Opt-out)
* 52 Brandon Copeland OLB (IR)
* 98 Carl Davis DT (IR)
* 11 Julian Edelman WR (IR)
* 24 Stephon Gilmore CB (IR)
* 37 Damien Harris RB (IR)
* 54 Dont'a Hightower MLB (Opt-out)
* 85 Ryan Izzo TE (IR)
* 36 Brandon King OLB (PUP)
* 83 Matt LaCosse TE (Opt-out)
* 13 Marqise Lee WR (Opt-out)
* 68 Najee Toran G (Opt-out)
* 53 Josh Uche OLB (IR)
* 45 Danny Vitale FB (Opt-out)
* 76 Isaiah Wynn T (IR)

Rookies in italics
53 active, 23 reserve, 11 practice squad (4 exempt)

|
|
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|

## Preseason

[edit]

The Patriots' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[104]

Week  | Date  | Opponent  | Venue  | Result

|
|
|
|

1  | August 13 | Detroit Lions | Gillette Stadium | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2  | August 20 | Carolina Panthers | Gillette Stadium
3  | August 27 | at Philadelphia Eagles | Lincoln Financial Field
4  | September 3 | at New York Giants | MetLife Stadium

## Regular season

[edit]

### Schedule

[edit]

The Patriots' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.[104]

Week  | Date  | Opponent  | Result  | Record  | Venue  | Recap

|
|
|
|
|
|

1 | September 13  | Miami Dolphins | W 21–11  | 1–0  | Gillette Stadium | Recap
2 | September 20  | at Seattle Seahawks | L 30–35  | 1–1  | CenturyLink Field | Recap
3 | September 27  | Las Vegas Raiders | W 36–20  | 2–1  | Gillette Stadium  | Recap
4[A] | October 5 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 10–26  | 2–2  | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap
5  | Bye
6[B] | October 18  | Denver Broncos | L 12–18  | 2–3  | Gillette Stadium  | Recap
7 | October 25  | San Francisco 49ers | L 6–33  | 2–4  | Gillette Stadium  | Recap
8 | November 1  | at Buffalo Bills | L 21–24  | 2–5  | Bills Stadium | Recap
9 | November 9 | at New York Jets | W 30–27  | 3–5  | MetLife Stadium | Recap
10 | November 15  | Baltimore Ravens | W 23–17  | 4–5  | Gillette Stadium  | Recap
11 | November 22  | at Houston Texans | L 20–27  | 4–6  | NRG Stadium | Recap
12 | November 29  | Arizona Cardinals | W 20–17  | 5–6  | Gillette Stadium  | Recap
13 | December 6  | at Los Angeles Chargers | W 45–0  | 6–6  | SoFi Stadium | Recap
14 | December 10 | at Los Angeles Rams | L 3–24  | 6–7  | SoFi Stadium  | Recap
15 | December 20  | at Miami Dolphins | L 12–22  | 6–8  | Hard Rock Stadium | Recap
16 | December 28 | Buffalo Bills | L 9–38  | 6–9  | Gillette Stadium  | Recap
17 | January 3  | New York Jets | W 28–14  | 7–9  | Gillette Stadium  | Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

### Game summaries

[edit]

#### Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

[edit]

Week One: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Dolphins | 0 | 3 | 0| 8| 11
Patriots | 0 | 7 | 7| 7| 21

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: September 13
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 70 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Adrian Hill
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* No scoring plays.

Second quarter

* NE – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:12 Patriots 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:11.
* MIA – Jason Sanders 46-yard field goal, 3:53 Patriots 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:16.

Third quarter

* NE – Cam Newton 11-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 10:14 Patriots 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:46.

Fourth quarter

* MIA – Jordan Howard 1-yard run (Ryan Fitzpatrick run), 10:31 Patriots 14–11. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:23.
* NE – Sony Michel 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:23 Patriots 21–11. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.

Top passers

* MIA – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 20/30, 191 yards, 3 INT
* NE – Cam Newton – 15/19, 155 yards

Top rushers

* MIA – Myles Gaskin – 9 rushes, 40 yards
* NE – Cam Newton – 15 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

* MIA – DeVante Parker – 4 receptions, 47 yards
* NE – Julian Edelman – 5 receptions, 57 yards

|

This was the Patriots' first game without longtime quarterback Tom Brady since October 2, 2016, and their first without Brady on the roster since January 2, 2000. Nonetheless, new starting quarterback Cam Newton performed admirably, finishing with a 79% completion percentage and leading a rush-heavy offensive attack with 75 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, as the Patriots finished with 217 rushing yards overall. With the win, New England opened the season at 1–0.[108]

#### Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

Week Two: New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 7 | 7 | 3| 13| 30
Seahawks | 7 | 7 | 14| 7| 35

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

* Date: September 20
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Craig Wrolstad
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* NE – Devin McCourty 43-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), 13:39. Patriots 7–0.
* SEA – Tyler Lockett 4-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 5:27. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 8:12.

Second quarter

* NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:59. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:28.
* SEA – DK Metcalf 54-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 6:57. Tied 14–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:51.

Third quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, 10:12. Patriots 17–14. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 4:48.
* SEA – David Moore 38-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 7:04. Seahawks 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:08.
* SEA – Freddie Swain 21-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 2:00. Seahawks 28–17. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:30.

Fourth quarter

* NE – Jakob Johnson 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (run failed), 14:14. Seahawks 28–23. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:46.
* SEA – Chris Carson 18-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 4:32. Seahawks 35–23. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:24.
* NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:16. Seahawks 35–30. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:16.

Top passers

* NE – Cam Newton – 30/44, 397 yards, TD, INT
* SEA – Russell Wilson – 21/28, 288 yards, 5 TD, INT

Top rushers

* NE – Cam Newton – 11 rushes, 47 yards, 2 TD
* SEA – Chris Carson – 17 rushes, 72 yards

Top receivers

* NE – Julian Edelman – 8 receptions, 179 yards
* SEA – DK Metcalf – 4 receptions, 92 yards, TD

|

A competitive matchup versus the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football saw Seattle pull away during the third quarter, though the Patriots offense kept pace in the fourth quarter. A potential game-winning drive by the Patriots was snuffed out when Cam Newton, who passed for nearly 400 yards, was stuffed short of the goal line on a quarterback keeper in the final seconds of the game.[109] This was New England's third loss in four career meetings with former Patriots head coach Pete Carroll. It was also Newton's sixth loss in eight career games against the Seahawks.

#### Week 3: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

[edit]

Week Three: Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Raiders | 3 | 7 | 0| 10| 20
Patriots | 0 | 13 | 10| 13| 36

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: September 27
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Ronald Torbert
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* LV – Daniel Carlson 29-yard field goal, 0:20. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:35.

Second quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 12:32. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 2:46.
* NE – Nick Folk 23-yard field goal, 7:56. Patriots 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:06.
* NE – Rex Burkhead 11-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 0:34. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 5:04.
* LV – Foster Moreau 1-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kick), 0:06. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:28.

Third quarter

* NE – Rex Burkhead 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:41. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:02.
* NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:28. Patriots 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:36.

Fourth quarter

* LV – Daniel Carlson 25-yard field goal, 11:22. Patriots 23–13. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:06.
* NE – Rex Burkhead 2-yard run (kick failed), 5:17. Patriots 29–13. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 6:05.
* NE – Deatrich Wise 0-yard fumble recovery in end zone (Nick Folk kick), 5:09. Patriots 36–13.
* LV – Hunter Renfrow 13-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:54. Patriots 36–20. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:15.

Top passers

* LV – Derek Carr – 24/32, 261 yards, 2 TD
* NE – Cam Newton – 17/28, 162 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

* LV – Josh Jacobs – 16 rushes, 71 yards
* NE – Sony Michel – 9 rushes, 117 yards

Top receivers

* LV – Hunter Renfrow – 6 receptions, 84 yards, TD
* NE – Rex Burkhead – 7 receptions, 49 yards, TD

|

Running back Rex Burkhead scored three touchdowns in a blowout win over the previously undefeated Raiders with the Patriots rushing for 250 yards; the game was Belichick's 275th career win with the Patriots.

#### Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]

Week Four: New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 0 | 3 | 0| 7| 10
Chiefs | 6 | 0 | 7| 13| 26

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

* Date: October 5[A]
* Game time: 7:05 p.m. EDT/6:05 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: Clear, 73 °F (23 °C)
* Game attendance: 12,729
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* KC – Harrison Butker 23-yard field goal, 10:08. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:52.
* KC – Harrison Butker 39-yard field goal, 0:13. Chiefs 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.

Second quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 9:31. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 5:20.

Third quarter

* KC – Tyreek Hill 6-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 0:42. Chiefs 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 3:10.

Fourth quarter

* NE – N'Keal Harry 4-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham (Nick Folk kick), 13:45. Chiefs 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:57.
* KC – Mecole Hardman 6-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (kick failed), 8:57. Chiefs 19–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:48.
* KC – Tyrann Mathieu 25-yard interception return (Harrison Butker kick), 8:48. Chiefs 26–10.

Top passers

* NE – Brian Hoyer – 15/24, 130 yards, INT
* KC – Patrick Mahomes – 29/39, 236 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

* NE – Damien Harris – 17 rushes, 100 yards
* KC – Clyde Edwards-Helaire – 16 rushes, 64 yards

Top receivers

* NE – Damiere Byrd – 5 receptions, 80 yards
* KC – Travis Kelce – 3 receptions, 70 yards

|

The game was postponed to Monday night after Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19. With Newton out, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer made the start for the Patriots. A low-scoring defensive affair in the first half saw the New England defense shut down Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes for much of the half, though the Patriots offense was likewise ineffective, with Hoyer taking a sack on the last play of the first half that prevented a potential game-tying field goal. Mahomes and the Chiefs offense came to life late in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns on back-to-back drives as Hoyer was benched for Jarrett Stidham, who threw his first career touchdown but also two interceptions, including a pick-six to Tyrann Mathieu that all but sealed the game and dropped New England to 2–2.[110]

#### Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos

[edit]

Week Six: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Broncos | 6 | 6 | 6| 0| 18
Patriots | 0 | 3 | 0| 9| 12

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: October 18
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Scott Novak
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* DEN – Brandon McManus 45-yard field goal, 13:02. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:58.
* DEN – Brandon McManus 44-yard field goal, 8:05. Broncos 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:27.

Second quarter

* DEN – Brandon McManus 27-yard field goal, 12:13. Broncos 9–0. Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 5:54.
* NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 5:20. Broncos 9–3. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 6:53.
* DEN – Brandon McManus 52-yard field goal, 0:19. Broncos 12–3. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 5:01.

Third quarter

* DEN – Brandon McManus 20-yard field goal, 3:32. Broncos 15–3. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 9:07.
* DEN – Brandon McManus 54-yard field goal, 0:37. Broncos 18–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:31.

Fourth quarter

* NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (run failed), 8:31. Broncos 18–9. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:43.
* NE – Nick Folk 38-yard field goal, 3:23. Broncos 18–12. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:52.

Top passers

* DEN – Drew Lock – 10/24, 189 yards, 2 INT
* NE – Cam Newton – 17/25, 157 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

* DEN – Phillip Lindsay – 23 rushes, 101 yards
* NE – Cam Newton – 10 rushes, 76 yards, TD

Top receivers

* DEN – Tim Patrick – 4 receptions, 101 yards
* NE – James White – 8 receptions, 65 yards

|

Despite scoring the game's only touchdown, this was the Patriots' first home loss to Denver in 14 years as they fell below .500, the first time they failed to be above .500 following Week 6 since 2002. In addition, it was the first time the Patriots lost without giving up a touchdown in the Bill Belichick era.

#### Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers

[edit]

Week Seven: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

49ers | 7 | 16 | 7| 3| 33
Patriots | 0 | 3 | 3| 0| 6

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: October 25
* Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: Cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Shawn Smith
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* SF – Jeff Wilson 3-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 9:56. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:04.

Second quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 40-yard field goal, 14:56. 49ers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:06.
* SF – Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal, 9:00. 49ers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:56.
* SF – Kyle Juszczyk 4-yard run (kick failed), 6:23. 49ers 16–3. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:23.
* SF – Jeff Wilson 16-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 0:59. 49ers 23–3. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:43.

Third quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 10:48. 49ers 23–6. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 4:12.
* SF – Jeff Wilson 7-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 7:32. 49ers 30–6. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:16.

Fourth quarter

* SF – Robbie Gould 32-yard field goal, 13:27. 49ers 33–6. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 6:20.

Top passers

* SF – Jimmy Garoppolo – 20/25, 277 yards, 2 INT
* NE – Cam Newton – 9/15, 98 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

* SF – Jeff Wilson – 17 rushes, 112 yards, 3 TD
* NE – Damien Harris – 10 rushes, 58 yards

Top receivers

* SF – Brandon Aiyuk – 6 receptions, 115 yards
* NE – Jakobi Meyers – 4 receptions, 60 yards

|

49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo made his first return to New England since the Patriots traded him to the 49ers in October 2017. Garoppolo played for the Patriots from 2014 to 2017 and was part of their 2014 and 2016 Super Bowl-winning teams. This was the Patriots' worst home loss in the Belichick era and their worst loss since their 2003 season opener versus the Buffalo Bills, where they were shut out 31–0. It was also the Patriots' first time losing three games in a row since 2002. This was also the final game of Julian Edelman’s career, as he would undergo a precautionary procedure to address his chronic injury, land on the IR, and miss the final 10 games of the season. He announced his retirement on April 12, 2021.

#### Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

[edit]

Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 0 | 6 | 8| 7| 21
Bills | 7 | 0 | 7| 10| 24

at Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

* Date: November 1
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Rain, 41 °F (5 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* BUF – Zack Moss 8-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 5:29. Bills 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:10.

Second quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 10:50. Bills 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:10.
* NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 0:08. Bills 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 1:30.

Third quarter

* BUF – Zack Moss 4-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 12:09. Bills 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:51.
* NE – Damien Harris 22-yard run (Cam Newton-Jakobi Meyers pass), 3:03. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 2:49.

Fourth quarter

* BUF – Josh Allen 2-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 13:12. Bills 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:51.
* NE – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 9:36. Tied 21–21. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:36.
* BUF – Tyler Bass 28-yard field goal, 4:06. Bills 24–21. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:30.

Top passers

* NE – Cam Newton – 15/25, 174 yards
* BUF – Josh Allen – 11/18, 154 yards, INT

Top rushers

* NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 102 yards, TD
* BUF – Devin Singletary – 14 rushes, 86 yards

Top receivers

* NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 58 yards
* BUF – Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions, 92 yards

|

A game that featured strong rushing performances by both teams was played down to the wire. As the Patriots were driving down the field for a score to win or tie the game down 24–21 in the last two minutes, Bills defensive tackle Justin Zimmer forced Cam Newton to fumble at the Buffalo 14-yard line, sealing the loss for New England. This was the Patriots' first loss to the Bills in four years; also their first road loss to them since the Pats' 2011 AFC Championship season. The Patriots also began the season 2–5 for the first time since 2000.[111]

#### Week 9: at New York Jets

[edit]

Week Nine: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 7 | 3 | 7| 13| 30
Jets | 3 | 17 | 7| 0| 27

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

* Date: November 9
* Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Clear, 61 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Alex Kemp
* TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters and John Parry
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* NYJ – Sergio Castillo 35-yard field goal, 8:33. Jets 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:27.
* NE – Cam Newton 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 3:34. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:59.

Second quarter

* NYJ – Breshad Perriman 50-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Sergio Castillo kick), 9:59. Jets 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 93 yards, 2:44.
* NYJ – Sergio Castillo 50-yard field goal, 4:33. Jets 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 1:40.
* NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 1:03. Jets 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:30.
* NYJ – Jamison Crowder 50-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Sergio Castillo kick), 0:25. Jets 20–10. Drive: 2 plays, 77 yards, 0:38.

Third quarter

* NE – Rex Burkhead 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:27. Jets 20–17. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 7:33.
* NYJ – Breshad Perriman 15-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Sergio Castillo kick), 0:30. Jets 27–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:57.

Fourth quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 29-yard field goal, 6:04. Jets 27–20. Drive: 17 plays, 58 yards, 9:26.
* NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 1:57. Tied 27–27. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 3:53.
* NE – Nick Folk 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 0:47.

Top passers

* NE – Cam Newton – 27/35, 274 yards
* NYJ – Joe Flacco – 18/25, 262 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Top rushers

* NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 71 yards
* NYJ – Frank Gore – 12 rushes, 46 yards

Top receivers

* NE – Jakobi Meyers – 12 receptions, 169 yards
* NYJ – Breshad Perriman – 5 receptions, 101 yards, 2 TD

|

Against the winless Jets, the Patriots fell behind 20–10 by halftime, but mounted a comeback, limiting the Jets to just four plays in the fourth quarter. Nick Folk's game-winning 51 yard field goal as time expired ended the Patriots' four-game losing streak, got them their first road win of the year and their 9th win over the Jets since 2015. New England improved to 3–5 with the win and began 3–5 for the first time since 1994.[112]

#### Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens

[edit]

Week Ten: Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Ravens | 0 | 10 | 7| 0| 17
Patriots | 0 | 13 | 10| 0| 23

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: November 15
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Rain, 52 °F (11 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Shawn Hochuli
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* No scoring plays.

Second quarter

* BAL – Willie Snead 6-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 14:54. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 8:04.
* NE – Rex Burkhead 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:46. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:08.
* BAL – Justin Tucker 24-yard field goal, 5:32. Ravens 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 6:14.
* NE – Rex Burkhead 24-yard pass from Jakobi Meyers (kick failed, wide left), 1:02. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:30.

Third quarter

* NE – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:17. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:43.
* NE – Nick Folk 20-yard field goal, 6:24. Patriots 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:16.
* BAL – Willie Snead 18-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 0:08. Patriots 23–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:16.

Fourth quarter

* No scoring plays.

Top passers

* BAL – Lamar Jackson – 24/34, 249 yards, 2 TD, INT
* NE – Cam Newton – 13/17, 118 yards, TD

Top rushers

* BAL – Lamar Jackson – 11 rushes, 55 yards
* NE – Damien Harris – 22 rushes, 121 yards

Top receivers

* BAL – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 59 yards
* NE – Willie Snead – 5 receptions, 64 yards, 2 TD

|

In the rain, the Patriots were able to sneak out a 23–17 win against the previously 6-2 Ravens. With the win, the Patriots improved to 4–5, and this was their first winning streak this season. They also began 4-5 for the first time since 1988.

#### Week 11: at Houston Texans

[edit]

Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 7 | 3 | 7| 3| 20
Texans | 7 | 14 | 3| 3| 27

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

* Date: November 22
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: Partly cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C) (retractable roof open)
* Game attendance: 12,503
* Referee: John Hussey
* TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and AJ Ross
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* NE – Damien Harris 9-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:52. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 5:32.
* HOU – Randall Cobb 3-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 3:36. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 3:16.

Second quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 8:32. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:05.
* HOU – Deshaun Watson 4-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 3:54. Texans 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:38.
* HOU – Keke Coutee 6-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 0:10. Texans 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:10.

Third quarter

* NE – Damiere Byrd 42-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 8:14. Texans 21–17. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 2:43.
* HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 36-yard field goal, 2:04. Texans 24–17. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 6:10.

Fourth quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 7:39. Texans 24–20. Drive: 16 plays, 65 yards, 9:25.
* HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 46-yard field goal, 4:11. Texans 27–20. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:28.

Top passers

* NE – Cam Newton – 26/40, 365 yards, TD
* HOU – Deshaun Watson – 28/37, 344 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

* NE – Damien Harris – 11 rushes, 43 yards, TD
* HOU – Deshaun Watson – 6 rushes, 36 yards, TD

Top receivers

* NE – Damiere Byrd – 6 receptions, 132 yards, TD
* HOU – Brandin Cooks – 4 receptions, 85 yards

|

Cam Newton's last-second Hail Mary was not enough as the Patriots suffered their second straight loss to the Texans. Their two-game win streak ended as they fell to 4–6, their first 4–6 start since 1994. They also lost 6 games in a season for the first time since 2009.

#### Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals

[edit]

Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Cardinals | 10 | 0 | 0| 7| 17
Patriots | 0 | 7 | 10| 3| 20

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: November 29
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Sunny, 52 °F (11 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Bill Vinovich
* TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* ARI – Kenyan Drake 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 12:09. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 23 yards, 1:29.
* ARI – Zane Gonzalez 47-yard field goal, 1:49. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:24.

Second quarter

* NE – James White 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:15. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:34.

Third quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 22-yard field goal, 7:46. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:57.
* NE – James White 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 3:30. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 2:51.

Fourth quarter

* ARI – Kenyan Drake 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 8:02. Tied 17–17. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 7:19.
* NE – Nick Folk 50-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 1:47.

Top passers

* ARI – Kyler Murray – 23/34, 170 yards, INT
* NE – Cam Newton – 9/18, 84 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

* ARI – Kenyan Drake – 22 rushes, 78 yards, 2 TD
* NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 47 yards

Top receivers

* ARI – DeAndre Hopkins – 5 receptions, 55 yards
* NE – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 52 yards

|

Nick Folk's last-second 50-yard field goal improved the Patriots to a 5–6 start for the first time since 1994 and increased their home win streak to two games.

#### Week 13: at Los Angeles Chargers

[edit]

Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 7 | 21 | 7| 10| 45
Chargers | 0 | 0 | 0| 0| 0

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

* Date: December 6
* Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST
* Game weather: Clear, 70 °F (21 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Amanda Balionis
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:50. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:10.

Second quarter

* NE – Gunner Olszewski 70-yard punt return (Nick Folk kick), 14:02. Patriots 14–0.
* NE – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:51. Patriots 21–0. Drive: 16 plays, 54 yards, 5:41.
* NE – Devin McCourty 44-yard return of blocked field goal (Nick Folk kick), 0:00. Patriots 28–0.

Third quarter

* NE – N'Keal Harry 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 8:44. Patriots 35–0. Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 3:38.

Fourth quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 11:21. Patriots 38–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:04.
* NE – Gunner Olszewski 38-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham (Nick Folk kick), 6:50. Patriots 45–0. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:23.

Top passers

* NE – Cam Newton – 12/19, 69 yards, TD
* LAC – Justin Herbert – 26/53, 209 yards

Top rushers

* NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 80 yards
* LAC – Austin Ekeler – 8 rushes, 36 yards

Top receivers

* NE – Gunner Olszewski – 1 reception, 38 yards, TD
* LAC – Keenan Allen – 5 receptions, 48 yards

|

With the blowout win, the Patriots improve to 6-6 and were now at an even .500. This was only their second road win this season.

#### Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams

[edit]

Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 0 | 3 | 0| 0| 3
Rams | 10 | 7 | 7| 0| 24

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

* Date: December 10
* Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/5:20 p.m. PST
* Game weather: Clear, 60 °F (16 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Craig Wrolstad
* TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Amazon Prime): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* LAR – Jared Goff 1-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 11:21. Rams 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:39.
* LAR – Matt Gay 35-yard field goal, 5:16. Rams 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:25.

Second quarter

* LAR – Kenny Young 79-yard interception return (Matt Gay kick), 14:46. Rams 17–0.
* NE – Nick Folk 29-yard field goal, 1:04. Rams 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:36.

Third quarter

* LAR – Cooper Kupp 2-yard pass from Jared Goff (Matt Gay kick), 1:33. Rams 24–3. Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 9:42.

Fourth quarter

* No scoring plays.

Top passers

* NE – Cam Newton – 9/16, 119 yards, INT
* LAR – Jared Goff – 16/25, 137 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

* NE – Damien Harris – 11 rushes, 50 yards
* LAR – Cam Akers – 29 rushes, 171 yards

Top receivers

* NE – Damiere Byrd – 5 receptions, 48 yards
* LAR – Tyler Higbee – 5 receptions, 33 yards, TD

|

With the loss, the Patriots dropped below .500 again as they fell to 6–7, losing at least 7 games for the first time since 2002 and beginning 6-7 for the first time since 1987. This was also the Patriots' first loss to the Rams since their 2001 Super Bowl-winning season.

Despite 4 red zone trips, the Patriots’ only score came from a Nick Folk field goal; their three points scored were the lowest the Patriots have scored in a game since a 2016 Week 4 shutout against the Buffalo Bills. This was also their fewest points scored in a game in which their first-string quarterback made a start, since a 2006 shutout loss against the Miami Dolphins (Brady was serving his four-game suspension in that 2016 loss against the Bills).

In addition, with the Bills beating the Steelers later on NBC Sunday Night Football, the Patriots failed to win the AFC East for the first time since 2008.

#### Week 15: at Miami Dolphins

[edit]

Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Patriots | 0 | 6 | 3| 3| 12
Dolphins | 0 | 0 | 7| 15| 22

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

* Date: December 20
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C)
* Game attendance: 13,354
* Referee: Brad Allen
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* No scoring plays.

Second quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 8:55. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 6:10.
* NE – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 4:19. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 2:32.

Third quarter

* MIA – Salvon Ahmed 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 10:32. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:28.
* NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 4:23. Patriots 9–7. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:16.

Fourth quarter

* MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 3-yard run (Tua Tagovailoa–Salvon Ahmed pass), 12:55. Dolphins 15–7. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:25.
* NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 9:07. Dolphins 15–12. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:52.
* MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 3:17. Dolphins 22–12. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:46.

Top passers

* NE – Cam Newton – 17/27, 209 yards
* MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 20/26, 145 yards, INT

Top rushers

* NE – Sony Michel – 10 rushes, 74 yards
* MIA – Salvon Ahmed – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD

Top receivers

* NE – Jakobi Meyers – 7 receptions, 111 yards
* MIA – Durham Smythe – 5 receptions, 40 yards

|

With the loss, the Patriots were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and were ensured a non-winning season for the first time since 2000. During the 2nd quarter, cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore suffered a partially torn quad that would cause him to miss the remainder of the season. Quarterback Cam Newton also lost to the Dolphins for the first time in his 9-year career. It was the team's first 6–8 start since 1971. They also finished 2-6 on the road.

#### Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills

[edit]

Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Bills | 3 | 21 | 7| 7| 38
Patriots | 3 | 6 | 0| 0| 9

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: December 28
* Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Clear, 41 °F (5 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Ronald Torbert
* TV announcers (ESPN/ABC): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Laura Rutledge and John Parry
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 12:44. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:16.
* BUF – Tyler Bass 22-yard field goal, 6:43. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 6:01.

Second quarter

* BUF – Zack Moss 5-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 14:50. Bills 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:28.
* NE – Cam Newton 9-yard run (kick failed), 10:39. Bills 10–9. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 4:11.
* BUF – Lee Smith 4-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 5:32. Bills 17–9. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:07.
* BUF – Stefon Diggs 50-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 3:55. Bills 24–9. Drive: 3 plays, 67 yards, 0:47.

Third quarter

* BUF – Stefon Diggs 18-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 11:28. Bills 31–9. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:32.

Fourth quarter

* BUF – Stefon Diggs 8-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 13:16. Bills 38–9. Drive: 10 plays, 95 yards, 7:25.

Top passers

* BUF – Josh Allen – 27/36, 320 yards, 4 TD
* NE – Jarrett Stidham – 4/11, 44 yards

Top rushers

* BUF – Zack Moss – 12 rushes, 57 yards, TD
* NE – Sony Michel – 10 rushes, 69 yards

Top receivers

* BUF – Stefon Diggs – 9 receptions, 145 yards, 3 TD
* NE – Jakobi Meyers – 4 receptions, 45 yards

|

With the loss, the Patriots suffer their first losing record since 2000, and have been swept by the Bills for the first time since 1999 as well as for the first time under Bill Belichick's tenure. This is also the first time since 2000 a division rival swept New England. The 29 point home loss is the worst in the Bill Belichick era, and the 2nd worst loss overall (Buffalo won 31–0 in Week 1 of the 2003 season in then-Ralph Wilson Stadium).

#### Week 17: vs. New York Jets

[edit]

Week Seventeen: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Jets | 0 | 7 | 7| 0| 14
Patriots | 7 | 0 | 7| 14| 28

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

* Date: January 3, 2021
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Cloudy, 33 °F (1 °C)
* Game attendance: 0
* Referee: Brad Rogers
* TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy and Jay Feely
* Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

* NE – James White 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:26. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:37.

Second quarter

* NYJ – Chris Herndon 21-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Chase McLaughlin kick), 1:40. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:07.

Third quarter

* NYJ – Josh Adams 1-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 11:40. Jets 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:20.
* NE – Cam Newton 19-yard pass from Jakobi Meyers (Nick Folk kick), 2:22. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:45.

Fourth quarter

* NE – Devin Asiasi 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 13:56. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:13.
* NE – Sony Michel 31-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:42. Patriots 28–14. Drive: 2 plays, 57 yards, 0:29.

Top passers

* NYJ – Sam Darnold – 23/34, 266 yards, TD, 2 INT
* NE – Cam Newton – 21/30, 242 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

* NYJ – Josh Adams – 11 rushes, 47 yards, TD
* NE – Cam Newton – 11 rushes, 79 yards

Top receivers

* NYJ – Breshad Perriman – 3 receptions, 84 yards
* NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 68 yards

|

The Patriots completed their fifth straight season-sweep of the Jets, and won 10 in a row in the rivalry. New England also avoided a double digit loss season, something that has not happened since 2000.

### Standings

[edit]

#### Division

[edit]

AFC East

* view
* talk
* edit

| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK
(2) Buffalo Bills | 13  | 3  | 0  | .813  | 6–0  | 10–2  | 501  | 375  | W6
Miami Dolphins | 10  | 6  | 0  | .625  | 3–3  | 7–5  | 404  | 338  | L1
New England Patriots | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 3–3  | 6–6  | 326  | 353  | W1
New York Jets | 2  | 14  | 0  | .125  | 0–6  | 1–11  | 243  | 457  | L1

#### Conference

[edit]

AFC

* v
* t
* e

#  | Team  | Division  | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK
Division leaders
1  | Kansas City Chiefs | West  | 14  | 2  | 0  | .875  | 4–2  | 10–2  | .465  | .464  | L1
2  | Buffalo Bills | East  | 13  | 3  | 0  | .813  | 6–0  | 10–2  | .512  | .471  | W6
3  | Pittsburgh Steelers | North  | 12  | 4  | 0  | .750  | 4–2  | 9–3  | .475  | .448  | L1
4[a] | Tennessee Titans | South  | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 5–1  | 8–4  | .475  | .398  | W1
Wild cards
5[b][c] | Baltimore Ravens | North  | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 4–2  | 7–5  | .494  | .401  | W5
6[c][d] | Cleveland Browns | North  | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 3–3  | 7–5  | .451  | .406  | W1
7[a][b][d] | Indianapolis Colts | South  | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 4–2  | 7–5  | .443  | .384  | W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
8  | Miami Dolphins | East  | 10  | 6  | 0  | .625  | 3–3  | 7–5  | .467  | .347  | L1
9  | Las Vegas Raiders | West  | 8  | 8  | 0  | .500  | 4–2  | 6–6  | .539  | .477  | W1
10[e] | New England Patriots | East  | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 3–3  | 6–6  | .527  | .429  | W1
11[e] | Los Angeles Chargers | West  | 7  | 9  | 0  | .438  | 3–3  | 6–6  | .482  | .344  | W4
12  | Denver Broncos | West  | 5  | 11  | 0  | .313  | 1–5  | 4–8  | .566  | .388  | L3
13  | Cincinnati Bengals | North  | 4  | 11  | 1  | .281  | 1–5  | 4–8  | .529  | .438  | L1
14  | Houston Texans | South  | 4  | 12  | 0  | .250  | 2–4  | 3–9  | .541  | .219  | L5
15  | New York Jets | East  | 2  | 14  | 0  | .125  | 0–6  | 1–11  | .594  | .656  | L1
16  | Jacksonville Jaguars | South  | 1  | 15  | 0  | .063  | 1–5  | 1–11  | .549  | .688  | L15
Tiebreakers[f]

1. ^ a b Tennessee finished ahead of Indianapolis in the AFC South based on division record.
2. ^ a b Baltimore claimed the No. 5 seed over Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory. Division tiebreaker used to eliminate Cleveland (see below).
3. ^ a b Baltimore claimed the No. 5 seed over Cleveland based on head-to-head sweep.
4. ^ a b Cleveland claimed the No. 6 seed over Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
5. ^ a b New England finished ahead of the LA Chargers based on head-to-head victory.
6. ^ 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.

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ a b Due to positive COVID-19 tests from Chiefs' practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu and Patriots' quarterback Cam Newton, the NFL announced the game would be postponed to give both teams time to see if any other players had caught the virus. Following all additional tests coming back negative, the NFL announced the game would be played on October 5.[105]
2. ^ After the Patriots' game against the Chiefs, Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19. The Broncos announced the NFL had postponed the game to October 12.[106] The game would later be postponed again after another positive case.[107]

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[edit]

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## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
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* e

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* Founded in 1960
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* 2010
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* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Bold indicates AFL Championship or Super Bowl victory
Italics indicates AFL Championship or Super Bowl appearance

* v
* t
* e

2020 NFL season

| AFC| East | North| South| West| East| North| South| West | NFC

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Buffalo | Baltimore| Houston| Denver| Dallas| Chicago| Atlanta| Arizona
Miami | Cincinnati| Indianapolis| Kansas City| NY Giants| Detroit| Carolina| LA Rams
New England | Cleveland| Jacksonville| Las Vegas| Philadelphia| Green Bay| New Orleans| San Francisco
NY Jets | Pittsburgh| Tennessee| LA Chargers| Washington| Minnesota| Tampa Bay| Seattle

* Draft
* NFL playoffs
* NFL Honors
* Pro Bowl
* Super Bowl LV

*[FB]: Fullback
*[KR]: Kick returner
*[PR]: Punt returner
*[C]: Center
*[T]: Ties
*[G]: Offensive guard
*[DE]: Defensive end
*[DT]: Defensive tackle
*[MLB]: Middle linebacker
*[OLB]: Outside linebacker
*[SS]: Strong safety
*[FS]: Free safety
*[CB]: Cornerback
*[P]: Punter
*[LS]: Long snapper
*[K]: Kicker
*[PS/I]: Practice squad/injured
*[TE]: Tight end
*[QB]: Quarterback
*[COVID-19]: Used if a player tested positive for COVID-19 or was in close proximity with someone who has. They remained on the list until cleared under league protocols.
*[LB]: Linebacker
*[WR]: Wide receiver
*[RB]: Running back
*[Opt-out]: Opted out of the season due to health concerns about COVID-19.
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses
*[PCT]: Winning percentage
*[DIV]: Win–Loss record within their division
*[CONF]: Win–Loss record within their conference
*[PF]: Points For (Total points scored)
*[PA]: Points Against (Total points allowed)
*[STK]: Current Winning or Losing Streak
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[SOS]: Strength of Schedule
*[SOV]: Strength of Victory