The New England Patriots are entering uncharted territory as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season—not as underdogs, but as champions with a target on their backs.

After a stunning 14-3 campaign and an AFC title win in Mike Vrabel's first year as head coach, the Patriots have gone from stealthy sleepers to the hunted. ESPN analyst and former NFL linebacker Bart Scott highlighted this shift during Wednesday's "Get Up" segment, questioning how New England will handle its new reality.

"With the Patriots, it's intriguing," Scott said. "Because usually when you have a year that's unexpected, sometimes you have a course correction. People aren't used to being the hunted. They're used to being the hunters. Let's see how they handle that. The Bills are coming for redemption, and everybody is going to be eyeing and circling those games. Can they make the adjustment to understand the pressure of being the favorite?"

The Patriots' 2026 schedule is no walk in the park. They'll face the NFC North, AFC West, and a Super Bowl LX rematch with the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL also announced that New England will travel to Munich to play the Detroit Lions on November 15, adding another layer of challenge.

Despite their recent success, Vegas oddsmakers aren't fully sold on the Patriots as the team to beat. The Buffalo Bills are -130 favorites to reclaim the AFC East title on DraftKings Sportsbook, while eight other teams have shorter Super Bowl odds than New England.

For Patriots fans, the question isn't just about talent—it's about mindset. Can Drake Maye and company adjust to life as the hunted and deliver an encore performance? The answer will define their 2026 season.