After the NFL announced the Patriots 2020 regular season schedule last week, they locked in the team's preseason schedule on Friday. As expected it will include some familiar NFC August foes, with the annual preseason finale with the Giants shifting back to the Meadowlands this season.
| Date/Time | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Thursday, August 13, 7:30pm | vs. Detroit Lions |
| Thursday, August 20, 7:30pm | vs. Carolina Panthers |
| Thursday, August 27, 7:30pm | at Philadelphia Eagles |
| Thursday, September 3, 7:00pm | at New York Giants |
With former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's Lions coming to Foxborough to kick off the preseason slate, the Patriots could consider having joint practices for the second season in a row. The teams held joint practices in Detroit last season and it was a productive session for both squads.
This year's preseason will have some new intrigue as the Patriots embark on their first season in over two decades without an entrenched starter at the quarterback position. The Week 3 "dress rehearsal" on the road in Philadelphia will loom large when it comes to determining how the team takes shape.
Being at home for the first two weeks could also be an advantage with teams adjusting to a new normal as coronavirus precautions are implemented.
