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2021 New England Patriots season

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The 2021 season is the New England Patriots' 52nd season in the National Football League, their 62nd overall, their 20th playing home games at Gillette Stadium and their 22nd under head coach Bill Belichick. They will attempt to improve on their 7–9 season from the previous year and return to the playoffs for the first time in the post-Tom Brady era.

2021 New England Patriots season
OwnerRobert Kraft
Head coachBill Belichick
Home fieldGillette Stadium
Results
Record7–4
Division place2nd AFC East
Uniform

Two longtime players, Super Bowl LIII MVP wide receiver Julian Edelman and safety Patrick Chung announced their retirements; Chung doing so in March, making this the Patriots' first season since 2008 (discounting 2013) without Chung on the roster, and Edelman announcing his on April 12, making this the first season since 2008 without Edelman on the roster. Quarterback Cam Newton was released on August 31, 2021 after playing one season with the team, opening the way for first-round draft pick Mac Jones to be the starter. Another notable roster change was the return of linebacker Kyle Van Noy who played the previous season with the Miami Dolphins. A major loss from prior seasons was key player All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who spent much of the 2020 season injured. He began the 2021 season in a contract dispute with the Patriots; he was amicably traded to the Carolina Panthers in October.

After winning all three pre-season games, the Patriots began by losing three of the first four games of the season, before winning five of the next six, including blowout wins versus the division rival New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns. With a win against the Atlanta Falcons in week 11, the Patriots matched their win total from the 2020 season.

Roster changes

Free agency

Unrestricted

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
C David Andrews New England Patriots March 22, 2021[1] 4 years, $19 million[2]
CB Justin Bethel New England Patriots March 12, 2021[3] 3 years, $6 million[2]
FS Terrence Brooks Houston Texans March 23, 2021[4] 1 year, $1.75 million[5]
RB Rex Burkhead Houston Texans June 1, 2021[4] 1 year, $1.5 million[6]
DT Adam Butler Miami Dolphins March 18, 2021[7] 2 years, $7.5 million[8]
WR Damiere Byrd Chicago Bears May 4, 2021[9] 1 year, $1.128 million[10]
OLB Shilique Calhoun San Francisco 49ers August 10, 2021[11] 1 year, $990,000[12]
OLB Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons March 19, 2021[13] 1 year, $1.04 million[14]
DT Carl Davis New England Patriots March 15, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.078 million[2]
FS Cody Davis New England Patriots March 19, 2021[1] 2 years, $4.3 million[2]
OT Jermaine Eluemunor Miami Dolphins June 14, 2021[7] 1 year, $1.128 million[15]
C James Ferentz New England Patriots May 17, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.020 million[16]
K Nick Folk New England Patriots March 23, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.625 million[17]
DT Lawrence Guy New England Patriots March 30, 2021[1] 4 years, $11.5 million[2]
QB Brian Hoyer New England Patriots May 18, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.075 million[18]
CB Jason McCourty Miami Dolphins May 7, 2021[7] 1 year, $1.213 million[19]
WR Donte Moncrief Houston Texans March 22, 2021[4] 1 year, $1.15 million[20]
QB Cam Newton New England Patriots March 12, 2021[21] 1 year, $5.1 million[22]
DE John Simon Tennessee Titans July 25, 2021[23] 1 year, $1.075 million[24]
G Joe Thuney Kansas City Chiefs March 18, 2021[25] 5 years, $80 million[26]
RB James White New England Patriots March 25, 2021[1] 1 year, $2.463 million[2]
DE Deatrich Wise Jr. New England Patriots March 19, 2021[1] 4 years, $22 million[2]

Restricted

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
CB J. C. Jackson New England Patriots April 16, 2021[1] Tendered (second-round) for 1 year, $3.384 million[2]

Exclusive-rights

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
WR Quincy Adeboyejo
FB Jakob Johnson New England Patriots March 25, 2021[1] 1 year, $850,000[2]

Signings/ waiver claims

Position Player Previous team Date signed Contract
DE Montravius Adams Green Bay Packers March 19, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.095 million[27]
WR Nelson Agholor Las Vegas Raiders 2 years, $22 million[2]
DE Henry Anderson New York Jets 2 years, $7 million[2]
WR Kendrick Bourne San Francisco 49ers 3 years, $15 million[2]
TE Hunter Henry Los Angeles Chargers 3 years, $37.5 million[2]
LB Matthew Judon Baltimore Ravens 4 years, $54.5 million[2]
C Ted Karras Miami Dolphins 1 year, $3 million[2]
LB Raekwon McMillan Las Vegas Raiders 1 year, $1.149 million[2]
CB Jalen Mills Philadelphia Eagles 4 years, $24 million[2]
TE Jonnu Smith Tennessee Titans 4 years, $50 million[2]
LB Kyle Van Noy Miami Dolphins 2 years, $12 million[2]
DT Davon Godchaux Miami Dolphins March 23, 2021[1] 2 years, $15 million[2]
LB LaRoy Reynolds Atlanta Falcons March 24, 2021[28] 1 year, $1.213 million[29]
LB Harvey Langi New York Jets May 10, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.057 million[2]
G Alex Redmond Cincinnati Bengals May 17, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.080 million[30]
LS Wesley Farnsworth Denver Broncos May 20, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[31]
FS Adrian Colbert New York Giants May 21, 2021[1] 1 year, $990,000[32]
RB Tyler Gaffney San Francisco 49ers 1 year, $660,000[33]
TE Troy Fumagalli Denver Broncos May 27, 2021[1] 1 year, $850,000[34]
WR Marvin Hall Cleveland Browns June 4, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.015 million[35]
G R. J. Prince Baltimore Ravens June 17, 2021[1] 1 year, $780,000[36]
WR Devin Ross New England Patriots June 21, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[37]
TE David Wells New England Patriots July 23, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[38]
QB Jake Dolegala Green Bay Packers July 28, 2021[1] 1 year, $780,000[39]
OT Jerald Hawkins Pittsburgh Steelers July 30, 2021[1] 1 year, $920,000[40]
LB Cassh Maluia New England Patriots August 7, 2021[1] 1 year, $780,000[41]
LS Brian Khoury Baltimore Ravens August 9, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[42]
SS Malik Gant New England Patriots August 10, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[43]
TE Kahale Warring Houston Texans August 24, 2021[1] 4 years, $3.640 million[44]
WR Malcolm Perry Miami Dolphins September 2, 2021[1] 4 years, 3.370 million[2]
LB Jamie Collins Detroit Lions October 6, 2021[1] 1 year, 1.075 million[45]

Releases / waivers

Position Player Date released/waived
DT Beau Allen March 18, 2021[1]
WR Marqise Lee
LB Cassh Maluia March 23, 2021[1]
LB Michael Pinkney
K Justin Rohrwasser
G Ross Reynolds April 9, 2021[1]
DT Michael Barnett April 12, 2021[1]
C Dustin Woodard April 16, 2021[1]
QB Jake Dolegala April 30, 2021[1]
G Najee Toran May 18, 2021[1]
LB LaRoy Reynolds May 27, 2021[1]
FB Danny Vitale
K Roberto Aguayo June 17, 2021[1]
LS Wesley Farnsworth
WR Devin Smith July 27, 2021[1]
QB Jake Dolegala August 9, 2021[1]
RB Tyler Gaffney August 10, 2021[1]
DE Rashod Berry August 15, 2021[1]
WR Marvin Hall
TE David Wells
OT Jerald Hawkins August 16, 2021[1]
TE Troy Fumagalli August 17, 2021[1]
SS Malik Gant August 24, 2021[1]
LS Brian Khoury
LB Cassh Maluia
G R. J. Prince
WR Devin Ross
TE Kahale Warring August 27, 2021[1]
DT Montravius Adams August 31, 2021[1]
DE Tashawn Bower
CB Myles Bryant
FS Adrian Colbert
OT Korey Cunningham
C James Ferentz
K Nick Folk
QB Brian Hoyer
CB Mike Jackson Sr.
TE Matt LaCosse
DT Bill Murray
QB Cam Newton
WR Tre Nixon
G Alex Redmond
CB D'Angelo Ross
OT Will Sherman
DT Akeem Spence
DT Nick Thurman
CB Dee Virgin
WR Kristian Wilkerson
WR Isaiah Zuber

Retirements

Position Player Date retired
S Patrick Chung March 18, 2021[46]
WR Julian Edelman April 12, 2021[47]

Trades

Draft

Main article: 2021 NFL Draft
2021 New England Patriots Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 15 Mac Jones QB Alabama
2 38 Christian Barmore DT from Cincinnati
3 — Selection forfeited
96 Ronnie Perkins DE Oklahoma Compensatory pick
4 120 Rhamondre Stevenson RB
5 177 Cameron McGrone LB Michigan Compensatory pick
6 188 Joshuah Bledsoe FS Missouri from Houston
197 William Sherman OT Colorado
7 242 Tre Nixon WR UCF

Notes

  • The Cincinnati Bengals' 2021 second-round selection (No. 38 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent the Patriots' 2021 second-round selection (No. 46 overall) and two fourth-round selections (No. 122 and 139 overall) to the Bengals.
  • The Patriots forfeited their third-round selection as the punishment for illegal filming of the field and sidelines by the team's television crew of a 2019 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.[49]
  • The Houston Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection selection (No. 122 overall) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 188 overall) were acquired in a trade that sent offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and the previously-acquired Dallas Cowboys 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) to the Texans.[50]
  • A sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the New York Jets.[51] The Jets re-acquired this selection when the Patriots traded two of their 2020 fourth-round selections and this 2021 sixth-round selection in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection.[52]
  • An additional sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) was obtained in the trade that sent defensive end Michael Bennett to the Dallas Cowboys.[53]

Undrafted free agents

Position Player School Date signed
K Quinn Nordin Michigan May 6, 2021[1]

Staff

  • July 23: Cole Popovich left the team as co-offensive line coach after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.[54]
New England Patriots staff
Front office
  • Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
  • President – Jonathan Kraft
  • Executive vice president of player personnel – Eliot Wolf
  • Executive vice president of football business – Robyn Glaser
  • Director of player personnel – Matt Groh
  • Director of pro personnel – Patrick Stewart
  • Assistant director of pro personnel – Sam Fioroni
  • Director of college scouting – Camren Williams
  • Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier
  • Director of football strategy – Marshall Oium
  • Personnel coordinator – Brian Smith
  • Senior personnel executive – Alonzo Highsmith
Head coach
Offensive coaches
  
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
  • Special teams coordinator – Jeremy Springer
  • Special teams assistant – Tom Quinn
  • Special teams assistant – Coby Tippett
Skill development
  • Director of skill development – Joe Kim
  • Skill development / Kick & punt returners – Troy Brown
Strength and conditioning
  • Head strength and conditioning – Deron Mayo
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Brian McDonough
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Brandon Martuccio
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Dexter Taylor


→ Coaching staff
→ Front office
→ More NFL staffs

Current roster

New England Patriots roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams


Rookies in italics

Roster updated June 19, 2024

90 active (+1 exempt)

→ AFC rosters → NFC rosters

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 12 Washington Football Team W 22–13 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 August 19 at Philadelphia Eagles W 35–0 2–0 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
3 August 29 at New York Giants W 22–20 3–0 MetLife Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule

The Patriots' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

Week Date Time (ET) Opponent Result Record Venue TV Recap
1 September 12 4:25 p.m. Miami Dolphins L 16–17 0–1 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
2 September 19 1:00 p.m. at New York Jets W 25–6 1–1 MetLife Stadium CBS Recap
3 September 26 1:00 p.m. New Orleans Saints L 13–28 1–2 Gillette Stadium Fox Recap
4 October 3 8:20 p.m. Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 17–19 1–3 Gillette Stadium NBC Recap
5 October 10 1:00 p.m. at Houston Texans W 25–22 2–3 NRG Stadium CBS Recap
6 October 17 4:25 p.m. Dallas Cowboys L 29–35 (OT) 2–4 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
7 October 24 1:00 p.m. New York Jets W 54–13 3–4 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
8 October 31 4:05 p.m. at Los Angeles Chargers W 27–24 4–4 SoFi Stadium CBS Recap
9 November 7 1:00 p.m. at Carolina Panthers W 24–6 5–4 Bank of America Stadium CBS Recap
10 November 14 1:00 p.m. Cleveland Browns W 45–7 6–4 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
11 November 18 8:20 p.m. at Atlanta Falcons W 25–0 7–4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Fox/NFLN/
Prime Video 		Recap
12 November 28 1:00 p.m. Tennessee Titans Gillette Stadium CBS
13 December 6 8:15 p.m. at Buffalo Bills Highmark Stadium ESPN
14 Bye
15 December 18 or 19 TBD at Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium TBD
16 December 26 1:00 p.m. Buffalo Bills Gillette Stadium CBS
17 January 2 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville Jaguars Gillette Stadium CBS
18 January 9 1:00 p.m. at Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium CBS

Notes:

  • Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
  • Networks and times for Sunday games from Weeks 12–18 are subject to change as a result of flexible scheduling.
  • As the result of Saturday flexible scheduling during Week 15, the date, time and network for that week's game at the Indianapolis Colts will be finalized at a later date—by no later than four weeks prior to game day.[55]
  • Week 18 is subject to being flexed to Saturday, January 8.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 1: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 3 7017
Patriots 0 10 3316

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

In rookie quarterback Mac Jones' first NFL start, a back-and-forth affair against divisional opponent Miami was sealed when Patriots running back Damien Harris fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter, allowing the Dolphins to run out the clock.[56] With the close loss, the Patriots began the season 0–1 for the first time since 2017.

Week 2: at New York Jets

Week 2: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 10 3 9325
Jets 0 3 036

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 75,626
  • Referee: Shawn Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

A battle of rookie quarterbacks saw Zach Wilson of the Jets throw four interceptions to the Patriots defense, allowing New England to coast to a 25–6 win, its 11th straight win over divisional rival New York. Mac Jones completed over 70% of his passes for the second game in a row.[57]

Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 3: New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 7 7 7728
Patriots 0 3 3713

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

Jones threw three interceptions, including a pass bobbled by tight end Jonnu Smith before being returned by P. J. Williams for a touchdown, as the Patriots lost to the Saints 28–13 and dropped to 1–2.[58]

Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Main article: 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers–New England Patriots game
Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 3 7619
Patriots 0 7 01017

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

This game marked former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's first return to Gillete Stadium since leaving the Patriots after the 2019 season, as he was cheered by the Patriots' home crowd during pre-game introductions before being jeered during the game. During the rain-soaked, back-and-forth contest, Brady was held without a touchdown and completed just over half of his passes; he was held to his third lowest passer rating - 70.8 - since joining the Buccaneers but led them to a go-ahead field goal just after the two-minute warning. Jones, who passed for 2 touchdowns and an interception, led the Patriots into position for their own field goal, but Nick Folk's 56-yard attempt hit the left upright, sealing the loss for the Patriots to their former franchise quarterback.[59]

Week 5: at Houston Texans

Week 5: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 9 61025
Texans 6 9 7022

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

Despite being down 22–9 to Houston at one point, the Patriots came back to win — coincidentally in the same stadium where they overcame a 28–3 deficit to the Atlanta Falcons to win Super Bowl LI. Aside from a missed extra point in the first half, Nick Folk made four field goals during the game, including the game-winner with 15 seconds left in the game.[60] With the win, New England improved to 2–3, taking sole possession of 2nd place in the AFC East.

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Cowboys 7 3 712635
Patriots 14 0 015029

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

This was the Patriots' first overtime game since the 2018 AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This was the Pats' first loss to the Cowboys in 25 years and their first home loss to them in 34 years.

Week 7: vs. New York Jets

Week 7: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 7 6013
Patriots 14 17 32054

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 3–4 and swept the Jets for the sixth consecutive season and have won 12 straight meetings.

Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 8: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 6 31127
Chargers 7 7 3724

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 4-4 on the season. It was the Patriots’ seventh straight win over the Chargers. Their last loss came on October 12, 2008 in San Diego.

Week 9: at Carolina Panthers

Week 9: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 14 10024
Panthers 0 6 006

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information

The Patriots intercepted Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold three times en route to victory, including an 88 yard pick-six by J.C. Jackson. New England improved to 5-4 on the year and 4-0 all-time vs. Darnold.

Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 10: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 7 0 007
Patriots 7 17 71445

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Patriots outplayed the Browns on both sides of the ball. Mac Jones had one of his better games as a rookie and the defense only allowed points on the first drive of the game. Rhamondre Stevenson stole the show at RB and was relied on heavily throughout the game. The Patriots improved to 6-4, their best 10-game start in two seasons.

Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 11: New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 10 01225
Falcons 0 0 000

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 12: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Titans 0 0 000
Patriots 0 0 000

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Natz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson
  • Preview

Standings

Division

AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Buffalo Bills 11 6 0 .647 5–1 7–5 483 289 W4
(6) New England Patriots 10 7 0 .588 3–3 8–4 462 303 L1
Miami Dolphins 9 8 0 .529 4–2 6–6 341 373 W1
New York Jets 4 13 0 .235 0–6 4–8 310 504 L2

Conference

AFC
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division winners
1[a] Tennessee Titans South 12 5 0 .706 5–1 8–4 .472 .480 W3
2[a] Kansas City Chiefs West 12 5 0 .706 5–1 7–5 .538 .517 W1
3 Buffalo Bills East 11 6 0 .647 5–1 7–5 .472 .428 W4
4 Cincinnati Bengals North 10 7 0 .588 4–2 8–4 .472 .462 L1
Wild cards
5[b] Las Vegas Raiders West 10 7 0 .588 3–3 8–4 .510 .515 W4
6[b] New England Patriots East 10 7 0 .588 3–3 8–4 .481 .394 L1
7 Pittsburgh Steelers North 9 7 1 .559 4–2 7–5 .521 .490 W2
Did not qualify for the postseason
8[c] Indianapolis Colts South 9 8 0 .529 3–3 7–5 .495 .431 L2
9[c][d] Miami Dolphins East 9 8 0 .529 4–2 6–6 .464 .379 W1
10[c][d] Los Angeles Chargers West 9 8 0 .529 3–3 6–6 .510 .500 L1
11[e] Cleveland Browns North 8 9 0 .471 3–3 5–7 .514 .415 W1
12[e] Baltimore Ravens North 8 9 0 .471 1–5 5–7 .531 .460 L6
13 Denver Broncos West 7 10 0 .412 1–5 3–9 .484 .357 L4
14[f] New York Jets East 4 13 0 .235 0–6 4–8 .512 .426 L2
15[f] Houston Texans South 4 13 0 .235 3–3 4–8 .498 .397 L2
16 Jacksonville Jaguars South 3 14 0 .176 1–5 3–9 .512 .569 W1
Tiebreakers[g]
  1. ^ a b Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
  2. ^ a b Las Vegas finished ahead of New England based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: Miami, Dallas, LA Chargers, Cleveland, and Indianapolis).
  3. ^ a b c Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6).
  4. ^ a b Miami finished ahead of LA Chargers based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: New England, Las Vegas, Houston, Baltimore, and NY Giants).
  5. ^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5).
  6. ^ a b NY Jets finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory.
  7. ^ 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.

References

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  46. ^ "Patrick Chung announces his retirement". www.patriots.com. Retrieved 2021-08-17.
  47. ^ "Edelman's unlikely star turn comes to an end". www.patriots.com. Retrieved 2021-08-17.
  48. ^ "Carolina Panthers". www.panthers.com. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
  49. ^ Reiss, Mike (June 28, 2020). "New England Patriots fined $1.1 million, lose draft pick in film crew fallout". ESPN. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  50. ^ Lane, Mark (14 March 2021). "What picks are the Texans swapping with the Patriots in the OT Marcus Cannon trade?". TexansWire.USAToday.com. USA Today. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  51. ^ "Patriots trade WR Demaryius Thomas to Jets". NFL.com. September 10, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  52. ^ Shook, Nick (April 24, 2020). "Patriots trade up for TEs Asiasi, Keene in third round". NFL.com. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  53. ^ "Sources: Patriots Trade DE Michael Bennett to Cowboys". ESPN.com. October 24, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  54. ^ "Patriots co-OL coach Cole Popovich no longer on staff due to COVID-19 requirements". NFL.com. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
  55. ^ "2021 NFL Schedule Announced" (PDF). NFL Communications. May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
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  57. ^ Rapp, Timothy (19 September 2021). "Mac Jones, Patriots Cruise to Win vs. Jets as Zach Wilson Throws 4 INT". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
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  60. ^ Price, Christopher (2021-10-10). "Patriots come back to defeat the Texans 25-22". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2021-10-13.
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