With the NFL set to release its 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, it will be interesting to see how the Buffalo Bills’ upcoming slate falls and when the most challenging matchups will take place. Of the Bills’ 14 opponents this season, four of them stand out as daunting tilts for Buffalo to look forward to, including two with the AFC champion New England Patriots, who the Bills will meet in a pair of divisional meetings. It doesn’t stop with the Patriots, however, as the Bills must also contend with a few other formidable foes who should make their lives difficult throughout the season to come. 1. New England Patriots New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) meets Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) on the field after the game at Gillette Stadium. | David Butler II-Imagn Images The Patriots are dealing with ongoing controversy related to their head coach, Mike Vrabel’s, off-the-field activity.…