[1] Also, for the first time since 2010, the Patriots had a different kicker on the regular season roster as the struggling Stephen Gostkowski was placed on IR; he was replaced by midseason signings Mike Nugent,[2] Nick Folk,[3] and Kai Forbath.

However, despite entering December with a 10–1 record, the Patriots failed to clinch a first-round bye for the first time since 2009 thanks to a late-season collapse that culminated in Week 17 with a 27–24 loss to the 4–11 Dolphins while the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers.

This was also Tom Brady's last season with the team, as he announced he was entering free agency and later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 20, 2020.

In addition, the defensive coordinator position was left vacant with head coach Bill Belichick now involving himself more greatly in that role.

As a result of the NFL's International Player Pathway program, the Patriots were granted an additional 91st spot which was allocated to German fullback Jakob Johnson.

[213] Beginning his 20th season in the league, Tom Brady finished the game with 341 yards and three touchdowns,[214] while Julian Edelman recorded his 500th reception with the Patriots, becoming the fifth player to reach that milestone.

After forcing the Dolphins to go three-and-out, the Patriots countered with a drive in which Tom Brady targeted newly acquired wide receiver Antonio Brown three times for gains of 18, 10, and 8 yards.

The Patriots offense made the best of their defense's solid play, marching down the field on an eight-play, 65-yard possession which ended with a 1-yard QB sneak by Brady.

New York's offense failed to obtain any first-downs for the rest of the first half, and the Patriots would score an additional touchdown on a 3-yard pass from Tom Brady to Julian Edelman.

The defense would still play stoutly, forcing the Jets to go three-and-out on their ensuing drive, caused, in part, by a holding penalty on Kelechi Osemele.

Hoping to solidify their prowess in the AFC East, the Patriots flew to New Era Field for their Week 4 matchup against a division rival – the 3–0 Buffalo Bills.

In contrast, the defense maintained its tremendous play by intercepting Josh Allen on the Bills' first drive; Devin McCourty claimed his fourth pick of the season.

On the resulting punt, J. C. Jackson blocked Corey Bojorquez's kick which was recovered and returned by Matthew Slater for a touchdown to put the Patriots up 13–0.

Nonetheless, Buffalo's offense managed to reach midfield on their final possession but Matt Barkley threw an easy interception to Jamie Collins as a result of pressure from Kyle Van Noy.

[228] Although the Patriots overcame the Bills, this proved to be an extremely sloppy game for their offense, as Tom Brady recorded his first interception of the year at the Buffalo 2-yard line and a completion rate under 50%, having gone 18 of 39.

The defense, however, recorded four interceptions (three on Josh Allen and one on Matt Barkley) as well as five sacks but also allowed 109 yards of rushing from Frank Gore and 23 first-downs.

Initially, both teams traded punts, but on the succeeding possession, Patriots' defenders missed numerous tackles and Washington scored on a 65-yard run by Steven Sims.

This proved vital as the Patriots advanced rapidly behind Sony Michel's rushing attack and they scored on a 29-yard pass to Brandon Bolden.

[233] In addition, during the matchup, Tom Brady surpassed Brett Favre for third on the all-time passing list and finished only 17 yards behind Peyton Manning.

The Jets sought to respond with a score but Darnold threw a hurried pass due to the blitz and was intercepted by Devin McCourty, his fifth this season.

New York finally gained momentum on a drive, reaching the Patriots 19, but Darnold made another ill-advised decision on a pass that was intercepted by Duron Harmon.

They would score again after Kyle Van Noy returned 26-yard fumble – in which Nick Chubb lost the ball after his own lineman's foot knocked it loose – for a touchdown.

Surprisingly, Chubb, on the Browns' next drive, would fumble again after rushing past New England defenders to the Patriots 16 and Jonathan Jones striking the ball out.

Also, without soon-to-be released wideout Josh Gordon, Brady targeted newly acquired receiver Mohamed Sanu, who caught two receptions for 23 yards in his Patriots debut.

The next drive was highlighted by a 53-yard run by Mark Ingram II, and finished with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Gus Edwards pushing the Ravens lead to 17–0.

After a three-and-out by the Ravens, the Patriots sustained a drive, only to have a holding penalty on Marshall Newhouse and an intentional grounding call lead to a punt.

In the 4th quarter, down two scores, Brady threw an interception to Earl Thomas which ultimately killed any chance of winning for the Patriots.

Despite dominating time of possession in the first half, New England found itself tied with Buffalo by halftime due to a Rex Burkhead fumble on the opening drive and a failed fourth down conversion, which led to points for the Bills.

This was Dolphins head coach Brian Flores's first return to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots following the win in Super Bowl LIII.

With the loss, coupled with a Kansas City Chiefs win, the Patriots failed to earn a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs for the first time since 2009.