The New England Patriots aren’t stepping out of primetime after losing quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason. Bill Belichick and his next quarterback — whether it’s Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer or someone else — will appear in five primetime games during the 2020 season.
This is all, of course, pending the approval of governors in every NFL state during the coronavirus pandemic. In order for teams to begin the NFL season, they will need each state’s governor to permit them to begin training. No team can begin to prepare in their facility until every team is permitted to do so safely. For now, the Patriots are conducting their organized team activities over videoconference. There is still some question as to when — and, perhaps, if — the NFL season will begin, particularly with the Massachusetts stay-at-home order in place.
That said, here’s a look at the Patriots’ 2020 schedule.
Regular season
Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.
Week 2: @ Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 8:20 p.m.
Week 3: vs. Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
Week 4: @ Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 4:25 p.m.
Week 5: vs. Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 4:25 p.m.
Week 8: @ Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m.
Week 9: @ New York Jets on Monday, Nov. 9 at 8:15 p.m.
Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 8:20 p.m.
Week 11: @ Houston Texans on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m.
Week 13: @ L.A. Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 4:25 p.m.
Week 14: @ L.A. Rams on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 8:20 p.m.
Week 15: @ Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m.
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills on Monday, Dec. 28 at 8:15 p.m.
Week 17: vs. New York Jets on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m.
Preseason
Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions
Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 3: @ Philadelphia Eagles
Week 4: @ New York Giants