The New England Patriots came up short in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks, falling just one win shy of the ultimate prize. And while the sting of that loss is still fresh, the energy in the locker room tells a different story-one of belief, resolve, and a young core that expects to be back on that stage sooner than later.
“S-t hurts,” cornerback Carlton Davis said bluntly after the game. “But I’ve got a feeling we’ll be back.”
That kind of confidence isn’t just talk-it’s rooted in the makeup of this Patriots roster. This is a team built with youth, under contract, and already battle-tested on the biggest stage.
The experience gained this postseason, especially for the younger players, is invaluable. Now, the focus shifts to the 2026-27 season, and the path back to the Super Bowl starts with a hard look at what lies ahead.
According to early Super Bowl odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, New England enters the offseason with the 10th-best odds to win it all next year. That puts them behind four AFC rivals: the Ravens, Bills, Chargers, and Chiefs-all teams led by elite quarterbacks and all with their own unique question marks heading into next season.
Let’s break that down a bit.
The Ravens and Bills will be adjusting to new head coaches, a major shift for two franchises that have been defined by stability in recent years. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are still elite talents, but how those coaching transitions impact their systems and locker room dynamics will be something to watch closely.
The Chargers, who are listed twice in the odds at +800 and +1500, are bringing in Mike McDaniel to call plays-an intriguing move that could unlock even more from Justin Herbert. McDaniel’s offensive creativity has been well-documented, and pairing that with Herbert’s arm talent could be a game-changer in the AFC.
Then there’s the Chiefs. Yes, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, but any team with Patrick Mahomes under center can’t be counted out.
That said, Kansas City has some serious retooling to do. Their supporting cast around Mahomes showed cracks this season, and the front office has work to do to keep their championship window open.
As for the Seahawks, they’re sitting at the top of the odds board at +750, and it’s easy to see why. They just won it all and return a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. But repeating is never easy, and the NFL has a way of humbling even the most dominant teams.
For the Patriots, being slotted 10th in the odds isn’t a slight-it’s a challenge. They’ve got a young, hungry roster that just got a taste of the Super Bowl. Now it’s about building on that momentum, addressing key areas in the offseason, and proving that this year wasn’t a one-off.
The pain of a Super Bowl loss lingers. But in New England, it’s also fueling something bigger.
The foundation is there. The experience is there.
And if the locker room’s belief is any indication, the Patriots plan on being right back in the thick of it next February.