The New England Patriots' 2026 preseason schedule is officially here, and it's packed with intriguing matchups that will have fans counting down the days until August.

The action kicks off at home on August 13, when the Patriots host the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. This early test will pit New England's defense against a Colts offense that has been reloading in the offseason. Indianapolis brought back quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce in free agency, while star running back Jonathan Taylor remains a formidable threat on the ground. The Colts finished 8-9 in 2025 and missed the playoffs, so they'll be hungry to make a statement early.

Next up is a prime-time showdown on August 22, as the Patriots welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to Foxborough. The Eagles were the only playoff team among New England's preseason opponents, finishing 11-6 last season. But here's where it gets interesting: Philadelphia is expected to trade star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Patriots on or after June 1. If that deal goes through, this preseason game could offer a sneak peek at a potential new weapon in the Patriots' offense. Either way, the Eagles' balanced attack on both sides of the ball will provide a stiff test for New England as they fine-tune their game plan.

The preseason wraps up on the road on August 27, when the Patriots travel to face the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland struggled to a 5-12 record in 2025, but they'll be getting a major boost with quarterback Deshaun Watson returning after missing the entire season due to a torn Achilles. This game will be a valuable opportunity for New England's defense to sharpen its edges against a motivated Browns squad.

With two home games and a road finale, the Patriots have a balanced slate that should help them build momentum heading into the regular season. Whether you're gearing up for game day or just looking to refresh your Patriots gear, these preseason matchups are the perfect excuse to start planning your football wardrobe.