Mike Vrabel didn’t put a timeline on it. But a few months back, the new Patriots coach listed a few goals he’d like the Patriots to achieve whether it’s now, or in the near future.

“Our goals will be to win the AFC East, to host home playoff games, and to compete for championships,” Vrabel said during his introductory press conference.

How close might the Patriots be to checking off those boxes?

During the offseason, Vrabel gave the roster a major face-lift. Between the influx of new players, and ushering out of the old guard, the change is considerable.

With the exception of special teams coach Jeremy Springer, the entire coaching staff is new.

Beyond that, Drake Maye is in Year 2, and has an improved cast around him. The defense has also been transformed.

As for the schedule, that doesn’t seem too daunting. So how will all of that translate for a team that’s finished 4-13 the past two seasons?

Here’s my take on how the 2025 season will shake out for the Patriots:

Week 1: Raiders at Patriots (Sept. 7)

Lowdown – The Raiders are now Tom Brady’s team. They’re Pete Carroll’s team. And, they’re also Josh McDaniels’ former team.

With all of the storylines and intrigue, love this for an opener. The best subplot? This is Vrabel’s first game at the helm. In my book, that’s the biggest deciding factor.

Prediction/Record – Win, 1-0.

Week 2: Patriots at Dolphins (Sept. 14)

Lowdown – For whatever reason, Hard Rock Stadium hasn’t been kind to the Patriots. Recently, it’s been a House of Horrors for the team. The Pats have gone 0-for-their-last-8 games in Miami. And having to go there in September in the sweltering heat? Fuggedaboutit.

Prediction/Record – Loss, 1-1

Week 3: Steelers at Patriots (Sept 21)

Lowdown – Three reasons why the Patriots win this game? Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Skylar Thompson. That currently represents the Steelers depth chart at quarterback. No need to say more.

Prediction/Record – Win, 2-1.

Week 4: Panthers at Patriots (Sept 28)

Lowdown – Carolina improved as the season went along last year. The Panthers were a tough team to play during the final weeks. Still like the Patriots in this one.

Prediction/Record – Win, 3-1

Week 5: Patriots at Bills (Oct. 5)

Lowdown – The Patriots first prime-time game comes on a a Sunday night against the defending AFC East champs, who have won five straight titles. It’s a little too early in the year to predict an upset in this game.

Prediction/Record – Loss, 3-2.

Week 6: Patriots at Saints (Oct. 12)

Lowdown – Derek Carr retired. And it looks like rookie Tyler Shough will take the baton. Think Vrabel’s defense might have him seeing a few ghosts?

Prediction/Record – Win, 4-2

Week 7: Patriots at Titans (Oct. 19)

Lowdown – No way Mike Vrabel, and his cast of former Titans players and coaches, will allow the Patriots to lose this one. Bet the farm on it.

Prediction/Record – Win, 5-2

Week 8: Browns at Patriots (Oct. 26)

Lowdown – Cleveland’s defense is legitimate. Can’t say the same about a Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders led offense. Vrabel also spent last year with the Browns as a consultant. He took notes. He’ll know how to beat them.

Prediction/Record – Win, 6-2

Week 9: Falcons at Patriots (Nov. 2)

Lowdown – There’s always one in there that’s a head-scratcher. This is the one. After winning three straight, the Patriots will suffer their first home loss to Michael Penix & Co.

Prediction/Record – Loss, 6-3

Week 10: Patriots at Bucs (Nov. 9)

Lowdown – Road game. Playoff team. Warm weather. Giving the Bucs the edge in this one.

Baker Mayfield, one of the few veteran quarterbacks the Patriots will face to this point, will be hitting his stride with the offense, and will do just enough against the Patriots defense to pull out a win.

Prediction/Record – Loss, 6-4

Week 11: Jets at Patriots (Nov. 17)

Lowdown – Like last season, the Patriots will play the Jets on a Thursday night. Last year’s game was at the Meadowlands. This one is in Foxborough. They won’t lose to the J-E-T-S Jets at home.

Prediction/Record – Win, 7-4

Week 12: Patriots at Bengals (Nov. 23)

Lowdown – The Bengals aren’t likely to forget being upset last year in the opening game, at home, to the Patriots. Plus, the timing for this game is well after Cincinnati’s usual early year woes.

Prediction/Record – Loss, 7-5

Week 13: Giants at Patriots (Dec. 1)

Lowdown – Brian Daboll is coaching for his job. Not sure Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston or Jaxson Dart will be abe to save him.

Prediction/Record – Win, 8-5

Week 14: Bye (Dec. 7)Week 15: Bills at Patriots (Dec. 14)

Lowdown – It’s too early for the Bills to lay down, like they did in the final game last season. They’ll still be playing for something, whether it’s the division or home field. The Patriots won’t make it easy, but Josh Allen & Co. prevail.

Prediction – Loss, 8-6

Week 16: Patriots at Ravens (Dec. 21)

Lowdown – Lamar Jackson has had the Patriots number in recent times. It’s a tall order for Vrabel’s team to take the Ravens down in Baltimore in what could be a pivotal game for the perennial AFC North contenders.

Prediction – Loss, 8-7

Week 17: Patriots at Jets (Dec 28)

Lowdown – Not sure if it’ll be this game, or the Thursday night game earlier in the season, but the Patriots will split with the Jets. It was tempting to have the Pats sweep Gang Green. Ultimately, not this year.

Prediction – Loss, 8-8

Week 18: Dolphins at Patriots (TBD)

Lowdown – The Fins, out of playoff contention, won’t want to deal with the cold and whatever else in New England.

So the Patriots will once again capture the season finale. Just not sure if that will be good enough to earn a ticket to the postseason.

Prediction – Win, 9-8