4 toughest matchups facing Patriots running backs on 2026 schedule

New England Patriots running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson face a more difficult schedule next season, which will pit them against a slate of elite run defenses throughout the year.

Henderson and Stevenson complemented each other as New England’s one-two punch in the ground game last season. Henderson went for 911 rushing yards on 180 carries in 2025, and Stevenson recorded 603 yards on 130 carries.

Next season will likely tell a similar story for both running backs, with Henderson on the cusp of rushing for 1,000 yards and Stevenson having proven himself to still be an effective ball-carrier in the regular season and the playoffs. However, both running backs will face defenses next season that will make exploiting holes up the middle and advantages on the outside a challenge.

Here are their four toughest matchups on the 2026 schedule:

The Seahawks won the Super Bowl against the Patriots last season with a defense that took the league by storm. Seattle’s pass rush will feature second-team All-Pro defensive tackle Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy again next season.

They also have second-team All-Pro linebacker Ernest Jones IV in their second line of defense, as well as DeMarcus Lawrence and Derick Hall on the edge to help stop the run against New England.

Henderson and Stevenson will need to play at their best while shaking off rust from the offseason against the defending champs in Week 1. The 2025 second-round draft pick running back recorded 19 rushing yards against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, while Stevenson had 23 yards.

The Jacksonville Jaguars allowed the fewest rushing yards in the league last season with 1,455 yards allowed on the ground. They did lose second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd in the open market this offseason, but the rest of their first and second lines of defense are largely intact.

The Patriots’ two top running backs were not tasked with a matchup against the Jaguars last season. Nevertheless, Jacksonville will make life difficult for Henderson and Stevenson in Week 3. Henderson excels when he’s able to break into the open field, where his acceleration takes over advantageously. He makes the most of every carry, as a rusher that operates more up the middle rather than making plays on the outside.

Henderson and Stevenson will need to be prepared for the Jaguars’ defense in Week 3.

Week 15: Monday, Dec. 21, at Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m. ET)

The Chiefs ranked No. 9 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed with 1,797 yards. Kansas City is expected to be a Super Bowl contender next season, which figures to have an infectious impact on their defense, including star defensive tackle Chris Jones, as well as rookie Peter Woods, the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Stevenson and Henderson will be three games removed from their Week 11 bye when they take on the Chiefs, which will give them time to recharge for the matchup.

Week 17: Jan 2 or 3, vs. Denver Broncos (TBD)

The Broncos were right behind the Jaguars in rushing yards allowed last season with 1,548 yards. They also allowed the fourth-fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL in 2025 with 11.

Denver approaches the 2026 season without John Franklin-Myers in the interior, but they still have first-team All-Pro defensive tackle Zach Allen, as well as an all-around defense around him, which is expected to be among the best in the league again next season.

Henderson and Stevenson will catch a break when they play the Broncos at home, as opposed to playing on the road with the grueling Denver altitude playing a factor in the game.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 4 toughest matchups facing Patriots running backs on 2026 schedule

Tags: