The New England Patriots are facing a much steeper climb in 2026, and at least one NFL analyst isn't betting on them reaching the postseason.

After riding a soft schedule to a 14-3 record and an AFC title in Mike Vrabel's debut season, the Patriots now have one of the league's toughest roads ahead. The 2026 slate kicks off with a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks, and things don't get any easier from there.

ESPN's Ryan Clark, a former Pittsburgh Steelers safety, shared his concerns on "Get Up" after the schedule release. He sees a team that won't just slip—but could miss the playoffs entirely.

"This is a totally different schedule with different expectations," Clark said. "Nobody thought about Drake Maye as an MVP candidate or Mike Vrabel as a Coach of the Year candidate or this team being the type of team that can get to the Super Bowl. It's different now. You aren't sneaking up on anyone."

Clark's forecast is stark: "I believe they not only take a step back, but in my opinion, the New England Patriots miss the playoffs this year based on this schedule. I know what everyone's gonna say. They got four wins because they got Miami and they got the New York Jets (twice each), but I believe the rest of this schedule makes it extremely difficult."

The numbers back up that concern. Based on opponents' 2025 winning percentages, the Patriots have the sixth-toughest schedule in the league. That metric actually undersells the challenge of a Week 15 road game against the Kansas City Chiefs, who went just 6-11 last season but remain a perennial powerhouse.

New England will face nine teams that made the playoffs in 2025, including a brutal four-game stretch to open the season—three of those on the road. For a team that thrived on low expectations last year, the spotlight and the schedule could prove a heavy burden.

Whether you're stocking up on Patriots gear for the ride or looking ahead to next season, one thing is clear: the path back to glory in Foxborough is anything but guaranteed.