Led by head coach Lou Saban, the Patriots finished with five wins and nine losses, last in the AFL's Eastern Division.

The first-ever AFL pre-season game was played on the road against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night, July 30,[1] which Boston won.

[2] They hosted the inaugural regular season game, a Friday night 13–10 loss to the Denver Broncos at Boston University Field on September 9.

Game 1: The Patriots lost to the Broncos 13–10 in the AFL season opener on Friday night.

On the first play of the second quarter, Denver receiver Al Carmichael caught a pass in the flats and scampered 41 yards for a touchdown.

However, two plays later, Patriot defensive back Chuck Shonta took an interception 60 yards to the Denver 10, setting up a 10-yard touchdown pass from Butch Songin to Colclough in the right side of the end zone.

The center, Mike Hudock, gave a low snap to the Titans punter, who fumbled and Patriot Chuck Shonta picked it up and raced 52 yards for the game-winning score.

Game 3: The Patriots were shut out 13–0 against the Bills, the highlight being a 58-yard touchdown pass from Tommy O'Connell to Carl Smith.

Game 4: The Patriots won their first decisive win of the season against the Chargers in Los Angeles.

A Harry Jacobs interception set up a Wells touchdown, and another Boston field goal wrapped up the day, as the Patriots rolled over the Chargers 35–0.

However, the Patriots twice drove deep into Oakland territory, both times winding up with Butch Songin throwing interceptions.

When Paul Maguire fell on a fumble in the end zone early in the third quarter, they matched the 35-point lead the Patriots had in the previous game.