2017 New England Patriots Season

2017 New England Patriots season
2017 New England Patriots season
Owner	Robert Kraft
Head coach	Bill Belichick
Home field	Gillette Stadium
Results
Record	13–3
Division place	1st AFC East
Playoff finish	Won Divisional Playoffs; (vs. Titans) 35–14; Won AFC Championship; (vs. Jaguars) 24–20; Lost Super Bowl LII; (vs. Eagles) 33–41
Pro Bowlers	4 Selected but did not participate due to participation in Super Bowl LII:; QB Tom Brady; FB James Develin; TE Rob Gronkowski; ST Matthew Slater;
AP All-Pros	3 QB Tom Brady (1st team); TE Rob Gronkowski (1st team); ST Matthew Slater (2nd team);
Team MVP	Tom Brady
Team ROY	Deatrich Wise Jr.
Uniform
	← 2016; Patriots seasons; 2018 →;

The Patriots entered the season as the defending champions of Super Bowl LI. They failed to match their 14–2 record from last season with their Week 14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Despite that, in Week 15, the Patriots secured their 9th consecutive AFC East title, their 15th of the last 17 seasons, with their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With their win over the Buffalo Bills in week 16, the Patriots obtained their 8th consecutive 12-or-more win season stretching all the way from 2010, an NFL record. Their Week 17 victory over the New York Jets clinched their top seed in the AFC for the second straight year, thus giving the Patriots home-field advantage throughout the entire AFC playoffs for the second year in a row.

The Patriots defeated the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round 35–14, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship game 24–20, claiming their second consecutive AFC title. This was their seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance, adding onto their record from the previous year. The win also made Tom Brady the oldest quarterback (40 years, 163 days) to win a playoff game, surpassing Brett Favre for the record. It was also the second time they advanced to the Super Bowl two consecutive seasons, the first being 2004. They faced the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX. This also made the Patriots the only team in NFL history to appear in ten Super Bowls, and gave the Patriots a chance to repeat as Super Bowl Champions for the second time in franchise history, and for the first time since 2004. In addition, they had the chance to tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for the record of most Super Bowl wins by a team in NFL history with 6. However, due to a late strip-sack of Brady by Brandon Graham and a failed Hail Mary pass, the Eagles defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LII by 41–33, ending the Patriots chance at a sixth Super Bowl title and resulting in their first Super Bowl loss since 2011. The loss prevented the Patriots from repeating their three-in-four Super Bowl run that they managed from 2001 to 2004. Also with the loss, the Patriots tied the NFL record for most Super Bowl losses with five, and made them the fifth defending Super Bowl champion to lose the next year's game, after the 1978 Dallas Cowboys, the 1983 Washington Redskins, the 1997 Green Bay Packers, and the 2014 Seattle Seahawks. They would later be joined by the 2020 Kansas City Chiefs.

Coaching changes

Departures

February 20: Long time Patriots coach, Brian Daboll, was named as the offensive coordinator for the University of Alabama football team after serving as the Patriots tight ends coach for three years.

Promotions

February 27: After serving as a Patriots coaching assistant for 2 years, Nick Caley was named as the Patriots tight ends coach, replacing former Patriots tight ends coach Brian Daboll for the job.

Roster changes

Free agents

Unrestricted

Position	Player	2017 Team	Date signed	Contract
TE	Martellus Bennett	Green Bay Packers	March 10, 2017	three years, $21 million
RB	LeGarrette Blount	Philadelphia Eagles	May 17, 2017	one year, $2.8 million
RB	Brandon Bolden	New England Patriots	April 5, 2017	one year, $775,000
DT	Alan Branch	New England Patriots	March 9, 2017	two years, $12 million
FB	James Develin	New England Patriots	March 6, 2017	two years, $2.85 million
WR	Michael Floyd	Minnesota Vikings	May 10, 2017	one year, $1.5 million
FS	Duron Harmon	New England Patriots	March 9, 2017	four years, $17 million
MLB	Dont'a Hightower	New England Patriots	March 15, 2017	four years, $43.5 million
DE	Chris Long	Philadelphia Eagles	March 28, 2017	two years, $4.8 million
OLB	Barkevious Mingo	Indianapolis Colts	March 9, 2017	one year, $2.5 million
CB	Logan Ryan	Tennessee Titans	March 10, 2017	three years, $30 million
TE	Greg Scruggs
DE/OLB	Jabaal Sheard	Indianapolis Colts	March 10, 2017	three years, $25.5 million

Restricted

Position	Player	2017 Team	Date signed	Contract
CB	Malcolm Butler	New England Patriots	April 18, 2017	assigned tender (first-round) on March 7, 2017 ($3.91 million)
OT	Cameron Fleming	New England Patriots	April 10, 2017	assigned tender (original-round) on March 7, 2017 ($1.797 million)
TE	Michael Williams	New England Patriots	March 9, 2017	one year, $540,000

Exclusive-Rights

Position	Player	2017 Team	Date signed	Contract
CB	Justin Coleman	New England Patriots	March 16, 2017	assigned tender on March 7, one year, $615,000
SS	Brandon King	New England Patriots	April 11, 2017	assigned tender on March 8, one year, $615,000
TE	Matt Lengel	New England Patriots	April 18, 2017	assigned tender on March 7, one year, $540,000

Signings

Position	Player	Previous team	Date signed	Contract
TE	Rob Housler	Chicago Bears	January 19, 2017	future contract
CB	Stephon Gilmore	Buffalo Bills	March 10, 2017	five years, $65 million
DT	Lawrence Guy	Baltimore Ravens	March 11, 2017	four years, $13.4 million
RB	Rex Burkhead	Cincinnati Bengals	March 14, 2017	one year, $3.15 million
RB	Mike Gillislee	Buffalo Bills	April 24, 2017	two years, $6.4 million
WR	Devin Street	Indianapolis Colts	May 2, 2017	claimed off waivers
C	James Ferentz	Denver Broncos	May 18, 2017	one year, $615,000
WR	DeAndrew White	New England Patriots	May 21, 2017	one year, $540,000
WR	Andrew Hawkins	Cleveland Browns	May 24, 2017	one year, $980,000
LB	David Harris	New York Jets	June 21, 2017	two years, $5 million
DE	Caleb Kidder	Minnesota Vikings	July 26, 2017	one year, $465,000
WR	Tony Washington	Jacksonville Jaguars	July 27, 2017	one year, $540,000
WR	K. J. Maye	Tennessee Titans	July 30, 2017	one year, $465,000
DE	Michael Bart	Arizona Cardinals	August 28, 2017	one year, $465,000
DE	Nick Usher	Seattle Seahawks	August 28, 2017	one year, $465,000
RB	Brandon Bolden	New England Patriots	Re-signed September 4, 2017	one year, $775,000
QB	Brian Hoyer	San Francisco 49ers	November 1, 2017	three years, $4,441,470
DE	Ricky Jean Francois	Green Bay Packers	November 7, 2017	one year, $990,000
TE	Martellus Bennett	Green Bay Packers	November 9, 2017	two years, $14 million
DE	Eric Lee	Buffalo Bills	November 21, 2017	two years, $1,020,000
LB	Nicholas Grigsby	Baltimore Ravens	November 28, 2017	two years, $1,170,000
OG	Jason King	Baltimore Ravens	November 28, 2017	one year, $465,000
LB	Jonathan Freeny	Jacksonville Jaguars	Re-signed December 6, 2017	one year, $775,000
WR	Kenny Britt	Cleveland Browns	December 12, 2017	two years, $2.4 million
DE	Ricky Jean Francois	New England Patriots	Re-signed December 13, 2017	one year, $900,000
OLB	James Harrison	Pittsburgh Steelers	December 26, 2017	one year, $1,000,000
WR	Bernard Reedy	New England Patriots	Re-signed January 17, 2017	one year, $225,000

Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2016 season.

Departures

Position	Player	Notes
OT	Sebastian Vollmer	Released March 3, 2017
RB	Tyler Gaffney	Waived March 20, 2017
OG	Tre' Jackson	Waived April 18, 2017
TE	Michael Williams	Released May 12, 2017
TE	Rob Housler	Released May 17, 2017
OG	Chris Barker	Released May 18, 2017
WR	Devin Street	Released May 24, 2017
DE	Corey Vereen	Waived June 5, 2017
WR	DeAndrew White	Released June 22, 2017
OG	Chase Farris	Released July 20, 2017
WR	Andrew Hawkins	Retired July 25, 2017
OLB/DE	Rob Ninkovich	Retired July 30, 2017
SS	Dwayne Thomas	Released August 11, 2017
DE	Kony Ealy	Released August 26, 2017
DE	Caleb Kidder	Released August 27, 2017
TE	Matt Lengel	Released August 27, 2017
OLB	Christian Kuntz	Released August 29, 2017
FB	Glenn Gronkowski	Released September 1, 2017
TE	Sam Cotton
OT	Max Rich
OG	Jason King
DE	Michael Bart
DT	Josh Augusta
FS	Jason Thompson
OLB	Jonathan Freeny
WR	Tony Washington	Released September 2, 2017
WR	K. J. Maye
OLB	Trevor Bates
RB	D. J. Foster
RB	LeShun Daniels
CB	D. J. Killings
OT	Andrew Jelks
CB	Kenny Moore II
OG	Jamil Douglas
SS	Damarius Travis
WR	Cody Hollister
FS	David Jones
DE	Nick Usher
WR	Austin Carr
TE	James O'Shaughnessy
DE	Geneo Grissom
RB	Brandon Bolden
OG	Ted Karras
C	James Ferentz
MLB	Brooks Ellis
DT	Woodrow Hamilton
DT	Darius Kilgo
CB	William Likely
WR	Devin Lucien
OT	Conor McDermott
DE	Geneo Grissom	Waived November 9, 2017
DE	Cassius Marsh	Released November 21, 2017
DE	Ricky Jean-Francois	Released December 2, 2017
OG	Jason King	Released December 2, 2017
WR	Bernard Reedy	Released December 13, 2017
OLB	Jonathan Freeny	Released December 13, 2017
OLB	Trevor Reilly	Waived December 26, 2017

Trades

March 8: The Patriots obtained tight end Dwayne Allen and a sixth-round selection and sent a fourth-round selection to the Indianapolis Colts.
March 10: The Patriots were involved in a trade in which they sent their second-round selection to the Carolina Panthers for defensive end Kony Ealy and a third-round selection.
March 10: The Patriots were involved in a trade in which they sent their first-round selection and a third-round selection to the New Orleans Saints for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round selection.
April 29: The Patriots traded a fifth-round selection to the Kansas City Chiefs for tight end James O'Shaughnessy and a sixth-round selection.
August 29: The Patriots traded a 2018 seventh-round selection to the Cincinnati Bengals for linebacker Marquis Flowers.
September 1: The Patriots traded cornerback Justin Coleman to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2018 seventh-round draft selection.
September 2: The Patriots traded a 2019 sixth-round selection to the Detroit Lions for cornerback Johnson Bademosi.
September 2: The Patriots traded quarterback Jacoby Brissett to the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Phillip Dorsett.
September 2: The Patriots traded their 2018 fifth and seventh-round picks to the Seahawks for defensive end Cassius Marsh.
October 30: The Patriots traded quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2018 second-round selection.

Draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
2017 New England Patriots draft
3	83	Derek Rivers	OLB	Youngstown St
3	85	Antonio Garcia	OT	Troy
4	131	Deatrich Wise Jr.	DE	Arkansas
6	211	Conor McDermott	OT	UCLA
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Notes

The fourth-round selection that the Patriots obtained from the trade with the New Orleans Saints would have been No. 118 overall; however, it was forfeited as part of the punishment for the Deflategate scandal.
The Patriots were awarded an additional fifth-round compensatory selection – No. 183 overall.
The Patriots gave up a fifth-round selection – No. 163 overall – to the Buffalo Bills when they signed restricted free agent Mike Gillislee to an offer sheet.
As a result of their trades, the Patriots did not use any of their assigned selections, and drafted just four players—the lowest number in franchise history.

2017 New England Patriots Draft Trades
Draft pick year	Round	Overall	Team	Received
2017	1	32	to New Orleans Saints	Received wide receiver Brandin Cooks and the Saints' fourth-round selection (No. 118 overall).
2017	3	103	to New Orleans Saints
2017	2	64	to Carolina Panthers	Received Carolina's third-round selection (No. 72 overall) and defensive end Kony Ealy
2017	3	72	to Tennessee Titans	Received Tennessee's third-round selection (No. 83 overall) and Tennessee's fourth-round selection (No. 124 overall)
2017	6	200	to Tennessee Titans
2016	5	147	to Seattle Seahawks	Received Seattle's 2017 fourth-round selection (No. 131 overall) and Seattle's 2016 seventh-round selection (No. 225 overall)
2016	7	243	to Seattle Seahawks
2017	4	137	to Indianapolis Colts	Received Indianapolis's sixth-round selection (No. 200) and tight end Dwayne Allen.
Linebacker Jamie Collins			to Cleveland Browns	Received Cleveland's third-round compensatory selection (No. 103 overall)
2017	5	175	to Cleveland Browns	Received linebacker Barkevious Mingo
Tight end A.J. Derby			to Denver Broncos	Received Denver's fifth-round selection (No. 163 overall)
2017	5	183	to Kansas City Chiefs	Received tight end James O'Shaughnessy and Kansas City's sixth-round compensatory selection (No. 216 overall)
2017	3	96	to Detroit Lions	Received Detroit's third-round selection (No. 85 overall)
	4	124		Received Detroit's third-round selection (No. 85 overall)
	6	215		Received linebacker Kyle Van Noy and the Lions' seventh-round selection (No. 239 overall)
	7	250		Received tight end Michael Williams.
2017	6	216	to Dallas Cowboys	Received Dallas's sixth-round selection (No. 211)
2017	7	239	to Dallas Cowboys	Received Dallas's sixth-round selection (No. 211)

Undrafted free agents

2017 New England Patriots Undrafted Free Agents
Player	Position	College	Date signed
Josh Augusta	DT	Missouri	May 5, 2017
Adam Butler	DT	Vanderbilt
Austin Carr	WR	Northwestern
Cole Croston	OT	Iowa
LeShun Daniels	RB	Iowa
Brooks Ellis	LB	Arkansas
Cody Hollister	WR	Arkansas
Jacob Hollister	TE	Wyoming
Andrew Jelks	OT	Vanderbilt
David Jones	FS	Richmond
D.J. Killings	CB	UCF
Jason King	OG	Purdue
Harvey Langi	LB	BYU
Kenny Moore II	CB	Valdosta St.
Max Rich	OT	Harvard
Dwayne Thomas	SS	LSU
Jason Thompson	FS	Utah
Damarius Travis	SS	Minnesota
Corey Vereen	DE	Tennessee
Sam Cotton	TE	Nebraska	May 18, 2017
William Likely	CB	Maryland	June 5, 2017
Keionta Davis	DE	Chattanooga	August 11, 2017
Mikey Bart	DE	North Carolina	August 28, 2017
Christian Kuntz	LB	Duquesne
Dennis McCarthy	QB	Boston College
Nick Usher	DE	UTEP

	Made regular season roster

Suspensions

Tight end Rob Gronkowski was suspended for one game (Week 14) for intentionally falling on cornerback Tre'Davious White while White was on the ground during Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills.

Injuries

September 2: Wide receiver Julian Edelman was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in the week 3 preseason matchup against the Detroit Lions. It was confirmed that he would be out for the entire season.
September 2: Cornerback Cyrus Jones was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a torn ACL and meniscus during the week 4 preseason matchup against the New York Giants. He would be out for the entire season.
September 2: Defensive end Derek Rivers tore his ACL and sprained his LCL during a joint-practice with the Houston Texans in August.
September 4: Outside linebacker Shea McClellin was placed on injured reserve after being out since early preseason. He will be ineligible to return until week 8.
September 22: Defensive tackle Vincent Valentine was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury that kept him out of practice throughout the season.
November 7: Linebacker Dont'a Hightower suffered an injury on his right shoulder pectoral muscle during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons.
November 27: Safety/Special teamer Nate Ebner suffered a knee injury during a fake punt against the Miami Dolphins.
November 27: Tight end Martellus Bennett was placed on injured reserve after having both a shoulder and a hamstring injury.
December 13: Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon who was out since October 29 due to an ankle injury, was placed on injured reserve.
January 17: Cornerback Jonathan Jones suffered an ankle injury in the Patriots' divisional-round game against the Tennessee Titans and was placed on injured reserved.

Staff

**2017 New England Patriots staff**
	Front office Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft President – Jonathan Kraft General manager – Bill Belichick Director of player personnel – Nick Caserio Director of college scouting – Monti Ossenfort Director of pro personnel – Dave Ziegler Assistant director of college scouting – Brian Smith Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier Football research director – Ernie Adams Director of football/head coach administration – Berj Najarian Head coaches Head coach – Bill Belichick Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Josh McDaniels Assistant quarterbacks – Jerry Schuplinski Running backs – Ivan Fears Wide receivers – Chad O'Shea Tight ends – Nick Caley Offensive line – Dante Scarnecchia			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Matt Patricia Defensive line – Brendan Daly Linebackers – Brian Flores Cornerbacks – Josh Boyer Safeties – Steve Belichick Special teams coaches Special teams – Joe Judge Assistant special teams – Raymond Ventrone Coaching assistants Coaching assistant – Brian Belichick Coaching assistant – DeMarcus Covington Defensive assistant – Mike Pellegrino Offensive assistant – Cole Popovich Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Moses Cabrera Assistant strength and conditioning – James Hardy Assistant strength and conditioning – Sammy Morris

Rosters

Opening training camp

As of the Patriots' first training camp practice at Gillette Stadium on July 27, they had the NFL maximum of 90 players signed.

New England Patriots 2017 opening training camp roster

Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

60 David Andrews C
61 Marcus Cannon T
70 Cole Croston T
65 Jamil Douglas G
59 James Ferentz C
71 Cameron Fleming T
63 Antonio Garcia T
75 Ted Karras G
74 Jason King G
69 Shaq Mason G
67 Conor McDermott T
72 Max Rich T
77 Nate Solder T
62 Joe Thuney G
68 LaAdrian Waddle T

Defensive linemen

72 Josh Augusta DT
90 Malcom Brown DT
70 Adam Butler DT
94 Kony Ealy DE
98 Trey Flowers DE
92 Geneo Grissom DE
93 Lawrence Guy DT
74 Woodrow Hamilton DT
95 Derek Rivers DE
96 Darius Kilgo DT
64 Caleb Kidder DE
99 Vincent Valentine DT
91 Deatrich Wise Jr. DE

Linebackers

44 Trevor Bates OLB
47 Brook Ellis MLB
55 Jonathan Freeny OLB
45 David Harris OLB
48 Harvey Langi OLB
58 Shea McClellin OLB
50 Rob Ninkovich OLB
52 Elandon Roberts MLB
53 Kyle Van Noy OLB

Defensive backs

21 Malcolm Butler CB
23 Patrick Chung SS
22 Justin Coleman CB
43 Nate Ebner FS
24 Stephon Gilmore CB
30 Duron Harmon FS
41 Cyrus Jones CB/KR
34 David Jones FS
31 Jonathan Jones CB
29 D. J. Killings CB
36 Brandon King SS
33 William Likely CB
32 Devin McCourty FS
42 Kenny Moore II CB
37 Jordan Richards SS
25 Eric Rowe CB
27 Dwayne Thomas SS
36 Jason Thompson FS
35 Damarius Travis SS ^UR

Special teams

6 Ryan Allen P
3 Stephen Gostkowski K

Reserve lists

97 Alan Branch DT (active/PUP)
49 Joe Cardona LS (Military)
66 Chase Farris G (Waived/NF-Inj.)
54 Dont'a Hightower MLB (active/PUP)
76 Andrew Jelks T (active/NF-Inj.)
59 Corey Vereen DE (Waived/Injured)

Rookies in italics
90 active, 3 inactive

Week 1

New England Patriots 2017 Week 1 roster

Quarterbacks

12 Tom Brady
10 Jimmy Garoppolo

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

72 Josh Augusta DT (IR)
51 Keionta Davis DE (NF-Inj.) ^UR
11 Julian Edelman WR (IR)
66 Chase Farris G (NF-Inj.)
63 Antonio Garcia T (Nf-Ill) ^R
76 Andrew Jelks T (NF-Inj.) ^UR
41 Cyrus Jones CB (IR)
64 Caleb Kidder DE (IR) ^UR
-- D. J. Killings CB (IR) ^UR
82 Matt Lengel TE (IR)
58 Shea McClellin OLB (IR)
19 Malcolm Mitchell WR(IR)
95 Derek Rivers DE (IR) ^R

Practice squad

16 Demarcus Ayers WR
-- Willie Beavers G
94 Angelo Blackson DE
-- James Ferentz C
27 D. J. Foster RB
92 Geneo Grissom DE
81 Cody Hollister WR
-- David Jones FS
-- Damarius Travis SS
-- Jomal Wiltz CB

Rookies in italics
53 active, 11 inactive, 10 practice squad

Final

**2017 New England Patriots final roster**

	Quarterbacks 12 Tom Brady 2 Brian Hoyer Running backs 38 Brandon Bolden 34 Rex Burkhead 46 James Develin FB 35 Mike Gillislee 33 Dion Lewis KR 28 James White Wide receivers 80 Danny Amendola PR 85 Kenny Britt 14 Brandin Cooks 13 Phillip Dorsett 15 Chris Hogan 18 Matthew Slater Tight ends 83 Dwayne Allen 87 Rob Gronkowski 47 Jacob Hollister		Offensive linemen 60 David Andrews C 74 Cole Croston G 71 Cameron Fleming T 75 Ted Karras C/G 69 Shaq Mason G 77 Nate Solder T 62 Joe Thuney G 68 LaAdrian Waddle T Defensive linemen 97 Alan Branch DT 90 Malcom Brown DT 70 Adam Butler DT 98 Trey Flowers DE 96 Geneo Grissom DE 93 Lawrence Guy DE/DT 94 Ricky Jean Francois DT 55 Eric Lee DE 91 Deatrich Wise Jr. DE		Linebackers 59 Marquis Flowers OLB 50 Nicholas Grigsby MLB 45 David Harris OLB 92 James Harrison OLB 52 Elandon Roberts MLB/OLB 53 Kyle Van Noy OLB Defensive backs 29 Johnson Bademosi CB 21 Malcolm Butler CB 23 Patrick Chung SS 24 Stephon Gilmore CB 30 Duron Harmon SS 31 Jonathan Jones CB 36 Brandon King FS 32 Devin McCourty FS 37 Jordan Richards SS 25 Eric Rowe CB Special teams 6 Ryan Allen P 49 Joe Cardona LS 3 Stephen Gostkowski K		Reserve lists 88 Martellus Bennett TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 61 Marcus Cannon T (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 42 Keionta Davis DE (NF-Inj.Tooltip Non-football injury and illness) 43 Nate Ebner FS (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 11 Julian Edelman WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 63 Antonio Garcia T (NF-Ill.Tooltip Non-football injury and illness) 54 Dont'a Hightower MLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 76 Andrew Jelks T (NF-Inj.Tooltip Non-football injury and illness) 41 Cyrus Jones CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 48 Harvey Langi OLB (NF-Inj.Tooltip Non-football injury and illness) 58 Shea McClellin OLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 19 Malcolm Mitchell WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 95 Derek Rivers DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 99 Vincent Valentine DT (IRTooltip Injured reserve) Practice squad 64 James Ferentz C 81 Cody Hollister WR 26 David Jones FS 72 Jason King G 27 Ryan Lewis CB 84 Riley McCarron WR 51 Trevor Reilly OLB 39 Damarius Travis SS 82 Will Tye TE 22 Jomal Wiltz CB Rookies in italics 53 active, 14 inactive, 10 practice squad

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	August 10	Jacksonville Jaguars	L 24–31	0–1	Gillette Stadium	Recap
2	August 19	at Houston Texans	L 23–27	0–2	NRG Stadium	Recap
3	August 25	at Detroit Lions	W 30–28	1–2	Ford Field	Recap
4	August 31	New York Giants	L 38–40	1–3	Gillette Stadium	Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	September 7	Kansas City Chiefs	L 27–42	0–1	Gillette Stadium	Recap
2	September 17	at New Orleans Saints	W 36–20	1–1	Mercedes-Benz Superdome	Recap
3	September 24	Houston Texans	W 36–33	2–1	Gillette Stadium	Recap
4	October 1	Carolina Panthers	L 30–33	2–2	Gillette Stadium	Recap
5	October 5	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 19–14	3–2	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
6	October 15	at New York Jets	W 24–17	4–2	MetLife Stadium	Recap
7	October 22	Atlanta Falcons	W 23–7	5–2	Gillette Stadium	Recap
8	October 29	Los Angeles Chargers	W 21–13	6–2	Gillette Stadium	Recap
9	Bye
10	November 12	at Denver Broncos	W 41–16	7–2	Sports Authority Field at Mile High	Recap
11	November 19	at Oakland Raiders	W 33–8	8–2	Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)	Recap
12	November 26	Miami Dolphins	W 35–17	9–2	Gillette Stadium	Recap
13	December 3	at Buffalo Bills	W 23–3	10–2	New Era Field	Recap
14	December 11	at Miami Dolphins	L 20–27	10–3	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
15	December 17	at Pittsburgh Steelers	W 27–24	11–3	Heinz Field	Recap
16	December 24	Buffalo Bills	W 37–16	12–3	Gillette Stadium	Recap
17	December 31	New York Jets	W 26–6	13–3	Gillette Stadium	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

NFL Kickoff Game

Week One: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	7	7	7	21	42
Patriots	7	10	10	0	27

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: September 7
Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), clear and warm
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Bill Vinovich
TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Mike Gillislee 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 2:52. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 2:52.
KC – Demetrius Harris 7-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 3:03. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 6:22.

Second quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 14.56. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:07.
NE – Mike Gillislee 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:27. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 5:50.
KC – Kareem Hunt 3-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 0:13. Patriots 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 2:34.

Third quarter

KC – Tyreek Hill 75-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 9:19. Chiefs 21–17. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:09.
NE – Mike Gillislee 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:01. Patriots 24–21. Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:21.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 0:09. Patriots 27–21. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 2:41.

Fourth quarter

KC – Kareem Hunt 78-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 14:07. Chiefs 28–27. Drive: 3 plays, 90 yards, 1:02.
KC – Kareem Hunt 4-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 5:14. Chiefs 35–27. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:41.
KC – Charcandrick West 21-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 4:00. Chiefs 42–27. Drive: 2 plays, 79 yards, 0:15.

Top passers

KC – Alex Smith – 28/35, 368 yards, 4 TD
NE – Tom Brady – 16/36, 267 yards

Top rushers

KC – Kareem Hunt – 17 rushes, 148 yards, TD
NE – Mike Gillislee – 15 rushes, 45 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

KC – Tyreek Hill – 7 receptions, 133 yards, TD
NE – Danny Amendola – 6 receptions, 100 yards

The Patriots started their season at home on Thursday, September 7 as the defending Super Bowl champion. They would strike first in the first quarter when Mike Gillislee ran for a 2-yard touchdown for a 7–0 lead. The Chiefs however tied it later on in the quarter at 7–7 when Alex Smith found Demetrius Harris on a 7-yard pass. In the second quarter, the Pats moved ahead by double digits as Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 25-yard field goal followed up by Gillislee running for another 2-yard touchdown to make the score 10–7 and increased it to 17–7. The Chiefs came within 3 before halftime when Smith found Kareem Hunt on a 3-yard pass for a 17–14 game.

In the third quarter, the Chiefs took the lead as Smith found Tyreek Hill on a 75-yard pass to make it 21–17. Though the Pats moved back into the lead when Gillislee ran for a 1-yard touchdown to make it 24–21. They then closed out the quarter with a 27–21 lead when Gostowski kicked a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, it was all Chiefs. It all started with Smith finding Hunt again this time on a 78-yard pass to retake the lead 28–27. This was followed by Hunt's 4-yard run for a touchdown to make it 35–27. Finally, they closed the scoring of the game with Charcandrick West's 21-yard run for a touchdown for the final score of 42–27.

This game was the Chiefs' first win in Foxborough since 1990. Additionally, the Patriots defense allowed 537 total yards which is the most yardage ever given up by a Bill Belichick team during a single game as the Patriots began 0–1 for the first time since 2014.

Week 2: at New Orleans Saints

Week Two: New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	20	10	3	3	36
Saints	3	10	0	7	20

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: September 17
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
Game attendance: 73,168
Referee: Craig Wrolstad
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Rex Burkhead 19-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed, hit left upright), 10:31. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:29.
NO – Wil Lutz 46-yard field goal, 7:43. Patriots 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 2:53.
NE – Rob Gronkowski 53-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:42. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:09.
NE – Chris Hogan 13-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:16. Patriots 20–3. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:53.

Second quarter

NO – Brandon Coleman 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 11:52. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:24.
NO – Wil Lutz 35-yard field goal, 8:23. Patriots 20–13. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:13.
NE – Mike Gillislee 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:52. Patriots 27–13. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:31.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal, 0:02. Patriots 30–13. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 2:23.

Third quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 24-yard field goal, 0:44. Patriots 33–13. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:15.

Fourth quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 27-yard field goal, 8:54. Patriots 36–13. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:30.
NO – Coby Fleener 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:04. Patriots 36–20. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:45.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 30/39, 447 yards, 3 TD
NO – Drew Brees – 27/45, 356 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

NE – Mike Gillislee – 18 rushes, 69 yards, TD
NO – Mark Ingram II – 8 rushes, 52 yards

Top receivers

NE – Rob Gronkowski – 6 receptions, 116 yards, TD
NO – Michael Thomas – 5 receptions, 89 yards

The Patriots rebounded from their opening week loss by establishing an early insurmountable lead against the New Orleans Saints in their week 2 matchup for their first visit to Mercedes-Benz Superdome since the Saints' Super Bowl winning 2009 season. Brandin Cooks returned to the Bayou while the controversy for the Saints was around backs Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram II competing for touches. (Alvin Kamara, who would go on to win 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was not yet getting significant playing time in week 2.) Peterson would later be shipped to the Cardinals in an ironic turn of events for Chris Johnson. Tom Brady completed three first-quarter touchdown passes to Rex Burkhead, Rob Gronkowski, and Chris Hogan. The three touchdowns marked a personal record for Brady, who had never in his career had so many scores in the first quarter of any game. Mike Gillislee added a running touchdown in the second quarter, and the Patriots played a conservative second half to seal the 36–20 victory. This would be the only home loss the Saints would have this season. Grownkowski injured his groin in the third quarter, causing him to leave the game.

Week 3: vs. Houston Texans

Week Three: Houston Texans at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Texans	10	10	7	6	33
Patriots	7	14	7	8	36

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: September 24
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), Sunny
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: John Parry
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Rob Gronkowski 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:33. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:50.
HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 39-yard field goal, 7:22. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:11.
HOU – Bruce Ellington 29-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 1:51. Texans 10–7. Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 0:40.

Second quarter

NE – Chris Hogan 7-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:25. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 1 plays, 12 yards, 0:32.
HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 40-yard field goal, 7:01. Patriots 14–13. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:24.
HOU – Jadeveon Clowney 22-yard fumble return (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 6:15. Texans 20–14. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:46.
NE – Chris Hogan 47-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:58. Patriots 21–20. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:17.

Third quarter

NE – Brandin Cooks 42-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:45. Patriots 28–20. Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:15.
HOU – Ryan Griffin 12-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 7:12. Patriots 28–27. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:33.

Fourth quarter

HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 31-yard field goal, 12:13. Texans 30–28. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 4:29.
HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 36-yard field goal, 2:24. Texans 33–28. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:31.
NE – Brandin Cooks 25-yard pass from Tom Brady (Tom Brady-Brandin Cooks pass), 0:23. Patriots 36–33. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:01.

Top passers

HOU – Deshaun Watson – 22/33, 301 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
NE – Tom Brady – 25/35, 378 yards, 5 TD

Top rushers

HOU – Lamar Miller – 14 rushes, 56 yards
NE – Mike Gillislee – 12 rushes, 31 yards

Top receivers

HOU – DeAndre Hopkins – 7 receptions, 76 yards
NE – Brandin Cooks – 5 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TD

The week 3 matchup vs. the Texans proved to be a greater challenge for the Patriots than the Saints had been in week 2. The Patriots scored first on a 7-play drive ending with a Tom Brady 5-yard throw to Rob Gronkowski, who was playing with a groin injury that took him out of the previous week's game. The game would progress through seven lead changes, as Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson would go drive-for-drive against Brady. Watson threw two touchdowns, one of which to his tight end Ryan Griffin, who attended college in New England at UConn. Two field goals late in the game would give the Texans their final lead at 33–28. With less than 2:25 remaining in the game, Brady led the Patriots on a frantic 8-play 71-yard drive that culminated in a 25-yard reception by Brandin Cooks to give the Patriots the 36–33 win.

Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Four: Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	14	6	10	33
Patriots	3	13	0	14	30

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: October 1
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), sunny
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Jerome Boger
TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 41-yard field goal, 11:47. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:13.
CAR – Graham Gano 32-yard field goal, 7:41. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:06.

Second quarter

NE – Chris Hogan 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:39. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:32.
CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 28-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:41. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:58.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 4:30. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:11.
CAR – Devin Funchess 10-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:26. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 4:04.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 58-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 17–16. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 0:26.

Third quarter

CAR – Devin Funchess 16-yard pass from Cam Newton (kick failed, wide left), 2:47. Panthers 23–16. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 6:30.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Cam Newton 7-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 12:58. Panthers 30–16. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:50.
NE – Dion Lewis 8-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:46. Panthers 30–23. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:12.
NE – Danny Amendola 1-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:09. Tied 30–30. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:18.
CAR – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 33–30. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 3:09.

Top passers

CAR – Cam Newton – 22/29, 316 yards, 3 TD, INT
NE – Tom Brady – 32/45, 307 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 14 rushes, 68 yards
NE – Mike Gillislee – 12 rushes, 49 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 4 receptions, 104 yards
NE – Rob Gronkowski – 4 receptions, 80 yards

The Patriots' third game at home this season was their second loss of the season. Tom Brady's attempted comeback in the fourth quarter was not enough to beat Cam Newton and the Panthers as Carolina upset New England 33–30 with a last second 48-yard field goal courtesy of Graham Gano. At the end of Week 4, the Patriots' defense was ranked last in the entire NFL. In this rematch of Super Bowl XXXVIII, this was the second consecutive time, after the 2013 season, that the Pats lost a heartbreaker to Cam Newton. This was the last time the Patriots lost a home game until Week 14 of 2019.

With the loss, the Pats fell to 2–2. Brady's record against the Panthers overall also fell to 2–3.

Week 5: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Five: New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	3	10	3	3	19
Buccaneers	0	7	0	7	14

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Date: October 5
Game time: 8:25 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C), clear
Game attendance: 64,476
Referee: Carl Cheffers
TV announcers (CBS/NFLN/Amazon Video): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 27-yard field goal, 1:21. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 7:10.

Second quarter

TB – Doug Martin 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 8:26. Buccanneers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:12.
NE – Chris Hogan 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:42. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:44.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 23-yard field goal, 9:55. Patriots 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 1:33.

Third quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 45-yard field goal, 9:55. Patriots 16–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:25.

Fourth quarter

TB – Cameron Brate 18-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 2:09. Patriots 16–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 2:17.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 48-yard field goal, 1:10. Patriots 19–14. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:59.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 30/40, 303 yards, TD, INT
TB – Jameis Winston – 26/46, 334 yards, TD

Top rushers

NE – Dion Lewis – 7 rushes, 53 yards
TB – Doug Martin – 13 rushes, 74 yards, TD

Top receivers

NE – Brandin Cooks – 5 receptions, 85 yards
TB – DeSean Jackson – 5 receptions, 106 yards

For the first time since 2009, the Patriots wore an all-white ensemble for this game, against the Buccaneers. For the first time this season, the Patriots were held to just a single touchdown on offense. Buccaneers place kicker Nick Folk missed all three field goal attempts in this game, which proved fatal to any chance they had at a comeback. After the conclusion of Week 5, the Patriots claimed a share in a three-way tie for the division lead. Star tight-end Rob Gronkowski did not play in the game, after being listed on the injury report for suffering from a thigh injury suffered at practice the previous day.

Week 6: at New York Jets

Week Six: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	14	7	3	24
Jets	7	7	0	3	17

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: October 15
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), cloudy
Game attendance: 77,562
Referee: Tony Corrente
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NYJ – Austin Seferian-Jenkins 1-yard pass from Josh McCown (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 9:08. Jets 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 88 yards, 5:52.

Second quarter

NYJ – Jeremy Kerley 31-yard pass from Josh McCown (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 12:18. Jets 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:33.
NE – Dion Lewis 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:19. Jets 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 93 yards, 4:24.
NE – Rob Gronkowski 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:09. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 0:26.

Third quarter

NE – Rob Gronkowski 33-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:22. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:38.

Fourth quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal, 14:10. Patriots 24–14. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:31.
NYJ – Chandler Catanzaro 28-yard field goal, 3:40. Patriots 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:52.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 20/38, 257 yards, 2 TD, INT
NYJ – Josh McCown – 31/47, 354 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

NE – Dion Lewis – 11 rushes, 52 yards, TD
NYJ – Matt Forte – 9 rushes, 22 yards

Top receivers

NE – Brandin Cooks – 6 receptions, 93 yards
NYJ – Jermaine Kearse – 4 receptions, 79 yards

Another interesting chapter was added to the Patriots-Jets rivalry at MetLife. With this victory over the Jets, quarterback Tom Brady earned his 187th regular season win. Brady surpassed Brett Favre and Peyton Manning as the NFL's sole all-time leader in regular season wins. While missing two key components of their defensive secondary, the Patriots were able to overcome a two touchdown deficit in the first half and were able to hold on to secure the victory on a final drive surge from the Jets. Star tight end Rob Gronkowski made his return to the lineup, and contributed two touchdowns as well as several other key catches in the victory. This game also marked the first time since Week 1 that Brady did not throw for 300 yards.

During this game, in the 4th quarter, a controversial play caused a Jets touchdown to be reversed by official review when it was found that Jets tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins juggled the ball after being hit, resulting in a fumble, and didn't regain control until he was out of bounds which, by rule, is enforced as a turnover and a touchback.

Week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Seven: Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	0	0	7	7
Patriots	0	17	3	3	23

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: October 22
Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), cloudy, fog developing in the 2nd quarter
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Gene Steratore
TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays.

Second quarter

NE – Brandin Cooks 11-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:26. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:39.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 29-yard field goal, 4:42. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yard, 6:37.
NE – James White 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:21. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 1:34.

Third quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 4:12. Patriots 20–0. Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards,6:23.

Fourth quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 38-yard field goal, 9:15. Patriots 23–0. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:17.
ATL – Julio Jones 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:09. Patriots 23–7. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 5:06.

Top passers

ATL – Matt Ryan – 23/33, 233 yards, TD
NE – Tom Brady – 21/29, 249 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

ATL – Devonta Freeman – 12 rushes, 72 yards
NE – Dion Lewis – 13 rushes, 76 yards

Top receivers

ATL – Julio Jones – 9 receptions, 99 yards, TD
NE – Chris Hogan – 4 receptions, 71 yards

For the first time since Week 3 of last season, the Patriots wore their all-blue Color Rush uniforms, for this Super Bowl LI rematch. The Patriots defense, for the first time this season, were able to hold an opposing quarterback under 300 passing yards, with Matt Ryan only logging 233. The defense also made key stops, including blocking a field goal, stopping the Falcons in the red zone resulting in a missed field goal, and stopping Atlanta on a 4th down attempt from the 1-yard line. During the game, an extremely dense fog covered the stadium for most of the contest, resulting in the television broadcast being forced to use their on-field cameras much more than normal. As the Chiefs had lost to Oakland on Thursday Night Football, the Patriots' win against the Falcons moved them into a three-way tie for the best record in the AFC with the Chiefs and Steelers.

Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week Eight: Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	0	0	6	13
Patriots	0	15	3	3	21

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: October 29
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), rain
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Pete Morelli
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

LAC – Melvin Gordon 87-yard run (Nick Novak kick), 6:15. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 88 yards, 0:53.

Second quarter

NE – Rob Gronkowski 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:19.
NE – Travis Benjamin tackled in end zone by Brandon King for a safety, 9:08. Patriots 9–7.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 4:06. Patriots 12–7. Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 5:02.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 36-yard field goal, 0:20. Patriots 15–7. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:40.

Third quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 43-yard field goal, 5:25. Patriots 18–7. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 5:27.

Fourth quarter

LAC – Travis Benjamin 24-yard pass from Philip Rivers (pass failed), 8:30. Patriots 18–13. Drive: 3 plays, 67 yards, 1:06.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 26-yard field goal, 1:08. Patriots 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 3:33.

Top passers

LAC – Philip Rivers – 17/30, 212 yards, TD, INT
NE – Tom Brady – 32/47, 333 yards, TD

Top rushers

LAC – Melvin Gordon – 14 rushes, 132 yards, TD
NE – Dion Lewis – 15 rushes, 44 yards

Top receivers

LAC – Travis Benjamin – 5 receptions, 64 yards, TD
NE – James White – 5 receptions, 85 yards

In their last game before the bye week, the Patriots took on the Los Angeles Chargers at home. The teams traded punts on the opening two possessions. The Chargers scored first on an 87-yard run by Melvin Gordon, matching a 56-year old Chargers record. With the next drive, the Patriots scored on a 2-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski at the start of the second quarter. Later in the second quarter, the Chargers returner Travis Benjamin caught a Ryan Allen punt at his own 8-yard line and ran backwards into his own endzone in an attempt to evade the Patriots coverage team. The resulting safety by Brandon King gave the Patriots their first lead at 9–7, and the Patriots would never trail again, kicking four field goals, and holding off a late-game surge by the Chargers to preserve a 21–13 win.

The game was notable for the performances by Patriots running backs. Heavy rain slowed down the long passing game, so short passes to the running backs dominated the Patriots offensive game plan. Running backs James White and Rex Burkhead led the Patriots in receiving with 85 yards and 68 yards respectively, mostly on yards after catch. Fellow running back Dion Lewis led the Patriots in ground yardage for the fourth straight week, with Mike Gillislee also contributing to key short-yardage situations.

With the win, the Patriots entered the bye week and improved to 6–2. A few days after this, the Patriots sent backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round draft pick. Garoppolo led the 49ers to five consecutive wins after replacing C. J. Beathard.

Week 10: at Denver Broncos

Week Ten: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	14	13	7	7	41
Broncos	6	3	7	0	16

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Date: November 12
Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. MST
Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), partly cloudy
Game attendance: 76,820
Referee: Walt Coleman
TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Rex Burkhead 14-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:36. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 0:46.
DEN – Brandon McManus 39-yard field goal, 8:42. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:57.
NE – Dion Lewis 103-yard kick return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:24. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 0 plays, 103 yards, 0:15.
DEN – Brandon McManus 33-yard field goal, 5:22. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:06.

Second quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 13:41. Patriots 17–6. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 6:40.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal, 8:51. Patriots 20–6. Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 1:51.
DEN – Brandon McManus 36-yard field goal, 2:40. Patriots 20–9. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:11.
NE – Dwayne Allen 11-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:31. Patriots 27–9. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 2:11.

Third quarter

DEN – Demaryius Thomas 7-yard pass from Brock Osweiler (Brandon McManus kick), 8:01. Patriots 27–16. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:06.
NE – Dion Lewis 8-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:38. Patriots 34–16. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:18.

Fourth quarter

NE – Tom Brady 6-yard pass to James White (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:04. Patriots 41–16. Drive: 16 plays, 94 yards, 7:31.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 25/34, 266 yards, 3 TD
DEN – Brock Osweiler – 18/33, 221 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

NE – Dion Lewis – 14 rushes, 55 yards, TD
DEN – C. J. Anderson – 10 rushes, 54 yards

Top receivers

NE – Brandin Cooks – 6 receptions, 74 yards, Rob Gronkowski – 4 receptions, 74 yards
DEN – Emmanuel Sanders – 6 receptions, 137 yards

The Patriots usually play very well coming off of a bye week and 2017 was no exception. The Patriots opened the game with a 3-and-out, but on the ensuing punt, Denver returner Isaiah McKenzie muffed the return, and it was recovered by the Patriots. Brady capitalized quickly, as two quick completions to Rex Burkhead gave the Pats the lead at 12:43 in the first quarter, a lead they would not relinquish. The Broncos answered with a field goal, and on the ensuing kickoff, Pats special teams came through again with a Dion Lewis kick return for a touchdown. The Broncos added a second field goal in the first quarter, while the Patriots responded with one of their own at the start of the second quarter. The Broncos next drive stalled out short of midfield, and Burkhead found a hole in the line to block the Riley Dixon punt, once again giving the Patriots good field position. The Patriots and Broncos traded field goals, and the Patriots closed out the first half with a Brady-to-Dwayne Allen touchdown, his first reception of the season. The Broncos only sustained touchdown drive came at the start of the second half, ending in a Brock Osweiler-to-Demaryius Thomas seven-yard pass. Two more touchdowns by the Patriots (a run by Lewis and a reception by James White) would seal the deal, with Brady taking a rest at the end of the game to give new acquisition Brian Hoyer some game-time reps.

For his performance, Brady was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week, his third this season and the 30th of his career. In addition, running back Dion Lewis also earned honors, receiving the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

NFL International Series

Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	10	13	3	33
Raiders	0	0	0	8	8

at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico

Date: November 19
Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
Game weather: 66 °F (19 °C), sunny
Game attendance: 77,357
Referee: John Hussey
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Dion Lewis 15-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:09. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 87 yards, 7:07.

Second quarter

NE – Danny Amendola 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:23. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:32.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 62-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:33.

Third quarter

NE – Brandin Cooks 64-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:06. Patriots 24–0. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:54.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 51-yard field goal, 7:04. Patriots 27–0. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:57.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 2:03. Patriots 30–0. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:36.

Fourth quarter

OAK – Amari Cooper 9-yard pass from Derek Carr (Derek Carr-Michael Crabtree pass), 11:43. Patriots 30–8. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:20.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 29-yard field goal, 8:15. Patriots 33–8. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:28.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 30/37, 339 yards, 3 TD
OAK – Derek Carr – 28/49, 237 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

NE – Dion Lewis – 10 rushes, 60 yards
OAK – Marshawn Lynch – 11 rushes, 67 yards

Top receivers

NE – Brandin Cooks – 6 receptions, 149 yards, TD
OAK – Michael Crabtree – 6 receptions, 51 yards

Tom Brady became the first player to pass for 300 yards in three different countries: USA, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

Week 12: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Twelve: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	10	0	7	17
Patriots	14	7	7	7	35

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: November 26
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C), partly cloudy
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Ronald Torbert
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Rex Burkhead 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:39. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:21.
NE – Rob Gronkowski 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:33. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 4:39.

Second quarter

MIA – Reshad Jones 14-yard fumble return (Cody Parkey kick), 13:19. Patriots 14–7.
NE – Rex Burkhead 1-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:29. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:50.
MIA – Cody Parkey 28-yard field goal, 4:06. Patriots 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:23.

Third quarter

NE – Rob Gronkowski 15-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:28. Patriots 28–10. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:46.

Fourth quarter

MIA – Kenyan Drake 5-yard pass from Matt Moore (Cody Parkey kick), 11:43. Patriots 28–17. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:12.
NE – Brandin Cooks 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:31. Patriots 35–17. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:10.

Top passers

MIA – Matt Moore – 23/34, 215 yards, TD, 2 INT
NE – Tom Brady – 18/28, 227 yards, 4 TD, INT

Top rushers

MIA – Damien Williams – 8 rushes, 38 yards
NE – Dion Lewis – 15 rushes, 112 yards

Top receivers

MIA – Jarvis Landry – 8 receptions, 70 yards
NE – Brandin Cooks – 6 receptions, 83 yards, TD

Week 13: at Buffalo Bills

Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	3	6	14	0	23
Bills	0	3	0	0	3

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Date: December 3
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), mostly cloudy
Game attendance: 68,499
Referee: Gene Steratore
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 50-yard field goal, 1:30. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards, 6:21.

Second quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard field goal, 6:26. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:21.
BUF – Stephen Hauschka 49-yard field goal, 3:205. Patriots 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:21.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 39-yard field goal, 0:15. Patriots 9–3. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 2:50.

Third quarter

NE – Rex Burkhead 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:02. Patriots 16–3. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:58.
NE – Rex Burkhead 14-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:08. Patriots 23–3. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:38.

Fourth quarter

No scoring plays.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 21/30, 258 yards, INT
BUF – Tyrod Taylor – 9/18, 65 yards, INT

Top rushers

NE – Dion Lewis – 15 rushes, 92 yards
BUF – LeSean McCoy – 15 rushes, 93 yards

Top receivers

NE – Rob Gronkowski – 9 receptions, 147 yards
BUF – Zay Jones – 2 receptions, 22 yards

Rob Gronkowski was suspended for one game after a late hit on Bills defensive back Tre'Davious White.

Week 14: at Miami Dolphins

Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	10	0	10	20
Dolphins	6	7	14	0	27

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Date: December 11
Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST
Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), clear
Game attendance: 65,548
Referee: Pete Morelli
TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

MIA – Cody Parkey 30-yard field goal, 9:01. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 5:59.
MIA – Cody Parkey 44-yard field goal, 3:49. Dolphins 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 4:26.

Second quarter

NE – Rex Burkhead 3-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:18. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:56.
MIA – Jarvis Landry 5-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Cody Parkey kick), 3:33. Dolphins 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:45.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 0:02. Dolphins 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:31.

Third quarter

MIA – Jakeem Grant 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Cody Parkey kick), 11:03. Dolphins 20–10. Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 2:21.
MIA – Jarvis Landry 4-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Cody Parkey kick), 4:43. Dolphins 27–10. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 4:21.

Fourth quarter

NE – James White 3-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 13:05. Dolphins 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:29.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 33-yard field goal, 0:53. Dolphins 27–20. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 1:31.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 24/43, 233 yards, TD, 2 INT
MIA – Jay Cutler – 25/38, 263 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

NE – Dion Lewis – 5 carries, 17 yards
MIA – Kenyan Drake – 25 carries, 114 yards

Top receivers

NE – Danny Amendola – 6 receptions, 76 yards
MIA – Jarvis Landry – 8 receptions, 46 yards, 2 TD

The Pats' 14-game road win streak ended in Miami, the same place where they suffered their last regular season road loss on January 3, 2016. Rob Gronkowski missed this game due to suspension.

Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	3	6	11	27
Steelers	7	10	7	0	24

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: December 17
Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), mostly cloudy
Game attendance: 68,574
Referee: Tony Corrente
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Rex Burkhead 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:00. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:11.
PIT – Eli Rogers 18-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 5:32. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:28.

Second quarter

PIT – Chris Boswell 51-yard field goal, 12:15. Steelers 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:57.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 9:04. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:11.
PIT – Martavis Bryant 4-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 0:25. Steelers 17–10. Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 8:39.

Third quarter

NE – Brandin Cooks 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed), 8:50. Steelers 17–16. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:10.
PIT – Le'Veon Bell 3-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 1:33. Steelers 24–16. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:58.

Fourth quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 3:56. Steelers 24–19. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:42.
NE – Dion Lewis 8-yard run (Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski pass), 0:56. Patriots 27–24. Drive: 5 plays, 77 yards, 1:10.

Top passers

NE – Tom Brady – 22/35, 298 yards, TD, INT
PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 22/30, 281 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

NE – Dion Lewis – 13 rushes, 67 yards, TD
PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 24 rushes, 117 yards, TD

Top receivers

NE – Rob Gronkowski – 9 receptions, 168 yards
PIT – JuJu Smith-Schuster – 6 receptions, 114 yards

The return of Rob Gronkowski, and a late-game interception resulted in the Patriots defeating the Steelers. The Pats won the AFC East for the 9th straight year. The Patriots trailed 24–16 at the end of the third quarter. They scored on a 46-yard field goal with 4:00 left in the game to pull within 24–19. Then, with 56 seconds remaining, Dion Lewis scored on an 8-yard run and the Patriots added a two-point conversion to go ahead 27–24.

JuJu Smith-Schuster set the Steelers up deep in Patriots territory with a 69-yard reception from Ben Roethlisberger. It looked like Pittsburgh regained the lead on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to tight end Jesse James. However, the play was overturned and the Steelers couldn't find the end zone. The game ended on a Roethlisberger interception. With this win, the Patriots improved to 11–3 and clinched the AFC East division title for the 9th consecutive season.

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown left in the first half with a bruised calf. He was taken to the hospital and didn't return.

Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	3	10	3	0	16
Patriots	0	13	10	14	37

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: December 24
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C), cloudy
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Craig Wrolstad
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

BUF – Stephen Hauschka 41-yard field goal, 5:30. Bills 3–0. Drive: 16 plays, 47 yards, 8:04.

Second quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 14:14. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 6:16.
BUF – Jordan Poyer 19-yard interception return (Stephen Hauschka kick), 10:28. Bills 10–3.
NE – Rob Gronkowski 17-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:06. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:22.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 1:55. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:00.
BUF – Stephen Hauschka 23-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 13–13. Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards, 1:55.

Third quarter

BUF – Stephen Hauschka 30-yard field goal, 10:21. Bills 16–13. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 4:39.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 34-yard field goal, 5:08. Tied 16–16. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 5:13.
NE – Mike Gillislee 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:55. Patriots 23–16. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:59.

Fourth quarter

NE – Dion Lewis 12-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:27. Patriots 30–16. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:41.
NE – Dion Lewis 4-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:58. Patriots 37–16. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 3:25.

Top passers

BUF – Tyrod Taylor – 21/38, 281 yards
NE – Tom Brady – 21/28, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

BUF – LeSean McCoy – 17 rushes, 71 yards
NE – Dion Lewis – 24 rushes, 129 yards, TD

Top receivers

BUF – Deonte Thompson – 4 receptions, 91 yards
NE – Rob Gronkowski – 5 receptions, 67 yards, TD

Tom Brady passed for a pair of touchdowns and the New England Patriots stayed on track to claim home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a 37–16 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and also with the Jacksonville Jaguars losing late in the day, the Patriots clinched a first round bye for the 8th consecutive season.

Dion Lewis caught a touchdown pass and rushed for a 4-yard score. He carried 24 times for career-high 129 yards. It was just his second-career 100-yard game. Mike Gillislee (former Bill himself), active for the first time in six games, added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

Week Seventeen: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	3	0	0	3	6
Patriots	7	14	3	2	26

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: December 31
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 13 °F (−11 °C), cloudy and cold
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Brad Allen
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Dion Lewis 3-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:30. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:30.
NYJ – Chandler Catanzaro 48-yard field goal, 1:42. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:10.

Second quarter

NE – Brandin Cooks 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:14. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:23.
NE – Dion Lewis 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:20. Patriots 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 1:41.

Third quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 1:29. Patriots 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:29.

Fourth quarter

NYJ – Chandler Catanzaro 35-yard field goal, 10:28. Patriots 24–6. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:03.
NE – Bryce Petty sacked in end zone by Eric Lee for safety, 6:04. Patriots 26–6.

Top passers

NYJ – Bryce Petty – 19/36, 232 yards
NE – Tom Brady – 18/37, 190 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

NYJ – Bilal Powell – 13 rushes, 46 yards
NE – Dion Lewis – 26 rushes, 93 yards, TD

Top receivers

NYJ – Neal Sterling – 5 receptions, 74 yards
NE – Brandin Cooks – 5 receptions, 79 yards, TD

With the win, the New England Patriots gained the #1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the entire AFC playoffs for the second year in a row.

Standings

Division

AFC East
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
⁽¹⁾ New England Patriots	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	458	296	W3
⁽⁶⁾ Buffalo Bills	9	7	0	.563	3–3	7–5	302	359	W1
Miami Dolphins	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	281	393	L3
New York Jets	5	11	0	.313	2–4	5–7	298	382	L4

Conference

AFC v t e
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1	New England Patriots	East	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	.484	.466	W3
2	Pittsburgh Steelers	North	13	3	0	.813	6–0	10–2	.453	.423	W2
3	Jacksonville Jaguars	South	10	6	0	.625	4–2	9–3	.434	.394	L2
4	Kansas City Chiefs	West	10	6	0	.625	5–1	8–4	.477	.481	W4
Wild Cards
5	Tennessee Titans	South	9	7	0	.563	5–1	8–4	.434	.396	W1
6	Buffalo Bills	East	9	7	0	.563	3–3	7–5	.492	.396	W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7	Baltimore Ravens	North	9	7	0	.563	3–3	7–5	.441	.299	L1
8	Los Angeles Chargers	West	9	7	0	.563	3–3	6–6	.457	.347	W2
9	Cincinnati Bengals	North	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	.465	.321	W2
10	Oakland Raiders	West	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	.512	.396	L4
11	Miami Dolphins	East	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	.543	.531	L3
12	Denver Broncos	West	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	.492	.413	L2
13	New York Jets	East	5	11	0	.313	2–4	5–7	.520	.438	L4
14	Indianapolis Colts	South	4	12	0	.250	2–4	3–9	.480	.219	W1
15	Houston Texans	South	4	12	0	.250	1–5	3–9	.516	.375	L6
16	Cleveland Browns	North	0	16	0	.000	0–6	0–12	.520	–	L16
Tiebreakers

Postseason

Playoff round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
Wild Card	First-round bye
Divisional	January 13, 2018	Tennessee Titans (5)	W 35–14	1–0	Gillette Stadium	Recap
AFC Championship	January 21, 2018	Jacksonville Jaguars (3)	W 24–20	2–0	Gillette Stadium	Recap
Super Bowl LII	February 4, 2018	vs. Philadelphia Eagles (N1)	L 33–41	2–1	U.S. Bank Stadium	Recap

AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (5) Tennessee Titans

AFC Divisional Playoffs: (5) Tennessee Titans at (1) New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Titans	7	0	0	7	14
Patriots	0	21	7	7	35

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: January 13, 2018
Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
Game weather: 24 °F (−4 °C), clear and cold
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Ronald Torbert
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

1st quarter

TEN – Corey Davis 15-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (Ryan Succop kick), 1:14. Titans 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 95 yards, 5:17.

2nd quarter

NE – James White 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 13:18. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:56.
NE – James White 6-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:20. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:56.
NE – Chris Hogan 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:52. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 16 plays, 91 yards, 5:18.

3rd quarter

NE – Brandon Bolden 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:02. Patriots 28–7. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:20.

4th quarter

NE – Rob Gronkowski 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:22. Patriots 35–7. Drive: 15 plays, 90 yards, 6:58.
TEN – Corey Davis 11-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (Ryan Succop kick), 1:55. Patriots 35–14. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 3:53.

Top passers

TEN – Marcus Mariota – 22/37, 254 yards, 2 TD
NE – Tom Brady – 35/53, 437 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

TEN – Marcus Mariota – 4 rushes, 37 yards
NE – Dion Lewis – 15 rushes, 62 yards

Top receivers

TEN – Eric Decker – 6 receptions, 85 yards
NE – Danny Amendola – 11 receptions, 112 yards

The Patriots set a club playoff record by sacking Marcus Mariota eight times for their second win in three career playoff matches with the Titans franchise. The Patriots held Titans RB Derrick Henry to only 28 yards on 12 carries the week after he went for 156 yds against the Chiefs. This marked the third playoff meeting between the two clubs, the first since 2003, with the Patriots now holding a 2–1 advantage. They split the first two meetings, both in the divisional round, including the first game against the Titans' predecessor, the Houston Oilers.

AFC Championship: vs. (3) Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC Championship: (3) Jacksonville Jaguars at (1) New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Jaguars	0	14	3	3	20
Patriots	3	7	0	14	24

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: January 21, 2018
Game time: 3:05 p.m. EST
Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), clear and cool
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Clete Blakeman
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

NE – Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard field goal, 9:21. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 5:39.

Second quarter

JAX – Marcedes Lewis 4-yard pass from Blake Bortles (Josh Lambo kick), 14:15. Jaguars 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:36.
JAX – Leonard Fournette 4-yard run (Josh Lambo kick), 7:06. Jaguars 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 6:07.
NE – James White 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:55. Jaguars 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 1:07.

Third quarter

JAX – Josh Lambo 54-yard field goal, 10:23. Jaguars 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 4:37.

Fourth quarter

JAX – Josh Lambo 43-yard field goal, 14:52. Jaguars 20–10. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 4:49.
NE – Danny Amendola 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:44. Jaguars 20–17. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 3:19.
NE – Danny Amendola 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 2:48. Patriots 24–20. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:10.

Top passers

JAX – Blake Bortles – 23/36, 293 yards, TD
NE – Tom Brady – 26/38, 290 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

JAX – Leonard Fournette – 24 rushes, 76 yards, TD
NE – Dion Lewis – 9 rushes, 34 yards

Top receivers

JAX – Allen Hurns – 6 receptions, 80 yards
NE – Danny Amendola – 7 receptions, 84 yards, 2 TD

This marked the fifth playoff meeting between the two clubs with the Patriots now holding a 4–1 advantage. This was their second meeting in the AFC Championship game, the Patriots winning in 1996 as well.

The Pats overall record improved to 15–3.

Super Bowl LII: vs. (N1) Philadelphia Eagles

Super Bowl LII: (N1) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (A1) New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	9	13	7	12	41
Patriots	3	9	14	7	33

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date: February 4, 2018
Game time: 6:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. CST
Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
Game attendance: 67,612
Referee: Gene Steratore
TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
Recap, Gamebook

Game information

First quarter

PHI – Jake Elliott 25-yard field goal, 7:55. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 7:05.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 26-yard field goal, 4:17. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:38.
PHI – Alshon Jeffery 34-yard pass from Nick Foles (kick failed, wide right), 2:34. Eagles 9–3. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:43.

Second quarter

PHI – LeGarrette Blount 21-yard pass from Nick Foles (pass failed), 8:48. Eagles 15–3. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:05.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 45-yard field goal, 7:24. Eagles 15–6. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 1:24.
NE – James White 26-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 2:04. Eagles 15–12. Drive: 7 plays, 90 yards, 2:57.
PHI – Nick Foles 1-yard pass from Trey Burton (Jake Elliott kick), 0:34. Eagles 22–12. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 1:30.

Third quarter

NE – Rob Gronkowski 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:15. Eagles 22–19. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:45.
PHI – Corey Clement 22-yard pass from Nick Foles (Jake Elliott kick), 7:18. Eagles 29–19. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 4:57.
NE – Chris Hogan 26-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:23. Eagles 29–26. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:55.

Fourth quarter

PHI – Jake Elliott 42-yard field goal, 14:09. Eagles 32–26. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:14.
NE – Rob Gronkowski 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:22. Patriots 33–32. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:47.
PHI – Zach Ertz 11-yard pass from Nick Foles (pass failed), 2:21. Eagles 38–33. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:01.
PHI – Jake Elliott 46-yard field goal, 1:05. Eagles 41–33. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:04.

Top passers

PHI – Nick Foles – 28/43, 373 yards, 3 TD, INT
NE – Tom Brady – 28/48, 505 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

PHI – LeGarrette Blount – 14 rushes, 90 yards, TD
NE – James White – 7 rushes, 45 yards, TD

Top receivers

PHI – Nelson Agholor – 9 receptions, 84 yards
NE – Rob Gronkowski – 9 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD

With this loss, the Patriots were unable to defend their Super Bowl title from last year. The team finished the season with an overall record of 15–4. However, the 33 points scored is the most ever by a team that lost the Super Bowl (since surpassed by the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII with 35). Tom Brady is also the first quarterback ever to throw for over 500 yards and lose the Super Bowl. His personal Super Bowl record dropped to 5–3. His record against the NFC East in Super Bowls also dropped to 1–3.

The Patriots, however, became the first team to appear in and play in 10 Super Bowls. But, despite the fact that they are still tied with the Cowboys and 49ers for 5 franchise wins, this loss tied them with the Broncos for most Super Bowls lost, with 5.

Statistics

Team leaders

Category	Player(s)	Value
Passing yards	Tom Brady	4,577
Passing touchdowns	Tom Brady	32
Rushing yards	Dion Lewis	896
Rushing touchdowns	Dion Lewis	6
Receptions	Rob Gronkowski	69
Receiving yards	Rob Gronkowski	1,084
Receiving touchdowns	Rob Gronkowski	8
Points	Stephen Gostkowski	156
Kickoff return yards	Dion Lewis	570
Punt return yards	Danny Amendola	232
Tackles	Devin McCourty	97
Sacks	Trey Flowers	6.5
Forced fumbles	Malcolm Butler	3
Interceptions	Duron Harmon	4

Source:

League rankings

Offense
Category	Value	NFL rank (out of 32)
Total yards	394.2 YPG	1st
Yards per play	5.9	5th
Rushing yards	118.1 YPG	10th
Yards per rush	4.2	T–11th
Passing yards	276.1 YPG	2nd
Yards per pass	7.9	3rd
Total touchdowns	49	4th
Rushing touchdowns	16	6th
Receiving touchdowns	32	3rd
Scoring	28.6 PPG	2nd
Pass completions	389/587 (.663)	T–15th
Third downs	82/202 (.406)	10th
First downs per game	24.3	1st
Possession average	30:37	11th
Fewest sacks allowed	35	15th
Turnover differential	+6	11th
Fewest penalties	95	7th
Fewest penalty yardage	835	8th

Defense
Category	Value	NFL rank (out of 32)
Total yards	366.0 YPG	29th
Yards per play	5.7	31st
Rushing yards	114.8 YPG	20th
Yards per rush	4.7	30th
Passing yards	251.2 YPG	30th
Yards per pass	7.3	25th
Total touchdowns	33	5th
Rushing touchdowns	6	2nd
Receiving touchdowns	24	T–21st
Scoring	18.5 PPG	5th
Pass completions	367/590 (.622)	17th
Third downs	82/208 (.394)	21st
First downs per game	20.3	T–25th
Sacks	42	T–7th
Forced fumbles	9	T–27th
Fumble recoveries	5	T–28th
Interceptions	12	T–18th
Fewest penalties	111	24th
Fewest penalty yardage	1,041	28th

Special teams
Category	Value	NFL rank (out of 32)
Kickoff returns	22.2 YPR	12th
Punt returns	8.2 YPR	18th
Gross punting	43.4 YPP	30th
Net punting	41.6 YPP	16th
Kickoff coverage	18.9 YPR	3rd
Punt coverage	4.6 YPR	4th

Source for this section: NFL.com.

Awards and honors

Recipient	awards
Tom Brady	Week 2: AFC Offensive Player of the Week Week 3: AFC Offensive Player of the Week Week 3: FedEx Air Player of the Week Week 10: AFC Offensive Player of the Week November: AFC Offensive Player of the Month 2017 Associated Press NFL MVP
Stephen Gostkowski	Week 11: AFC Special Teams Player of the week
Rob Gronkowski	Week 15: AFC Offensive Player of the week
Dion Lewis	Week 10: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Week 16: AFC Offensive Player of the Week
Jordan Richards	2017 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award
Matthew Slater	2017 New England Patriots Ed Block Courage Award

References

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2017 New England Patriots Season

Coaching changes

Departures

Promotions

Roster changes

Free agents

Unrestricted

Restricted

Exclusive-Rights

Signings

Departures

Trades

Draft

Undrafted free agents

Suspensions

Injuries

Staff

Rosters

Opening training camp

Week 1

Final

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 2: at New Orleans Saints

Week 3: vs. Houston Texans

Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 5: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 6: at New York Jets

Week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 10: at Denver Broncos

Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

Week 12: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 13: at Buffalo Bills

Week 14: at Miami Dolphins

Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

Standings

Division

Conference

Postseason

AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (5) Tennessee Titans

AFC Championship: vs. (3) Jacksonville Jaguars

Super Bowl LII: vs. (N1) Philadelphia Eagles

Statistics

Team leaders

League rankings

Awards and honors

References

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