While we already know which teams the New England Patriots will play this season, we do not yet know the exact dates and times of their 16 regular season matchups – at least now, because later today the NFL's 2018 regular season schedule will be officially announced.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight's announcement.

NFL 2018 schedule release

Time: Thursday, April 19, 8:00 p.m. ET

TV coverage: NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2

Live online stream: NFL.com

Patriots 2018 opponents

Home: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings

Road: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears

Patriots rumors and leaks

As has been the case in the past, parts of the Patriots' schedule will probably leak out before the official release. We’ll compile those leaks and any additional rumors right here:

• New England will not play the Titans in week 7 or the Jaguars in week 8. Both teams are in London those weeks. It therefore also appears likely the Patriots will not play the two teams in weeks 8 and 9, respectively, as they will likely have their byes then. The Patriots will also not play the Chiefs in week 12, when they are in Mexico.
• The Patriots will neither play the Jets on opening day nor the Lions. They will also not play on Monday night in week one. (via New York Post)
• The Patriots will not play on Thanksgiving
• The Patriots will open up their season against the Houston Texans.

• Five of the Patriots first nine games will be in Prime Time.

• According to Bertrand, the Patriots will host the Texans in week 1, be on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 2, stay on the road in week 3 against the Detroit Lions, and host the Miami Dolphins in week 4.
• The Patriots will play on the road against the Titans on November 11th.
• Patriots will be on the road against the Bills on Monday Night Football on October 29th.
• The Patriots bye week will be in week 11, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
• The Patriots will play the Jets twice after their bye week, per the NY Post.
• The Patriots will play the Packers in week 9, per Mike Petraglia. A Sunday night game.
• Here is the full schedule, per Howe:

Current Schedule Projection

• Week 1: vs Houston Texans (1:00 PM)
• Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars (4:25 PM)
• Week 3: at Detroit Lions (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 4: vs Miami Dolphins (1:00 PM)
• Week 5: vs Indianapolis Colts (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 6: vs Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 7: at Chicago Bears (1:00 PM)
• Week 8: at Buffalo Bills (Monday Night Football)
• Week 9: vs Green Bay Packers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 10: at Tennessee Titans (1:00 PM)
• Week 11: BYE WEEK
• Week 12: at New York Jets (1:00 PM)
• Week 13: vs Minnesota Vikings (4:25 PM)
• Week 14: at Miami Dolphins (1:00 PM)
• Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers (4:25 PM)
• Week 16: vs Buffalo Bills (1:00 PM)
• Week 17: vs New York Jets (1:00 PM)