The NFL is set to release its 2020 schedule Thursday night.
While the Patriots will not be among the favorites in the AFC for the first time in quite awhile, it still will be a fascinating season to see how they do without Tom Brady. There are also some intriguing games on the schedule, including hosting the 49ers and Ravens, while taking on the Chiefs and Seahawks on the road.
This was discussed in the latest Off Day podcast, which sparked an Off Day debate between Andy Hart and Ryan Hannable -- what is the most interesting game on the schedule?
Listen to the podcast, see what the guys picked and vote!
Chiefs
There are certainly a number of interesting, difficult games on the Patriots 2020 schedule. But if Bill Belichick's post-Tom Brady New England team is looking to figure out how it measures up moving forward, there is no better measuring stick than playing the Chiefs in Kansas City. Beyond simply being a matchup with the defending Super Bowl Champions and arguably the best quarterback in football, it's a litmus test for the Patriots on both sides of the ball. Assuming Jarrett Stidham wins the starting job at quarterback, how does he deal with a battle with Patrick Mahomes in one of the toughest environments in football (fingers crossed that there will actually be fans at Arrowhead Stadium)? It would also be a major test for the new-look New England defense that's supposed to be these strength of the team moving forward. Theoretically trying to play conservative offense and high-end defense, the Patriots would get a major test against the many Tyreek Hill-led weapons that K.C. can field on offense. There is no more interesting, challenging game on the Patriots 2020 schedule that New England's trip to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.
-- Andy Hart
49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo returning to New England has to be the most interesting game on the schedule. Sure, there are tougher opponents and maybe better games to watch, but this is certainly the most interesting. What will the reception be from the Gillette Stadium crowd (provided there is a crowd)? How will Bill Belichick act that week? What will he say to the questions about trading Garoppolo away? This will be a facinating week, as it was so clear Belichick loved Garoppolo. Beyond Garoppolo, it will be a good test for the Patriots as the 49ers did make it to the Super Bowl last year and will be one of the better teams in 2020. There's no doubt this has the potential to be a primetime game and will certainly be the marquee home game on the 2020 schedule.
-- Ryan Hannable
What is the most interesting Patriots game on the 2020 schedule?
— The Off Day WEEI.com (@OffDayPod) May 5, 2020
