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My first reaction is that it’s not an impossible schedule, but it certainly has some big challenges, especially right out of the gate and at the end.

What worries me most is that the Pats will be vulnerable early in the season. They always blow a game in September, but this year they’ll be figuring out a new passing offense, possibly without Gronk. They’ll need time, and this year more than ever, they should be a better team at the end of the year than at the start.

The first thing we always look for is the bye week, and the later the better. So with it coming on week 10 this year it’s ideal.

Then we look at the division games, two right out of the gate opening with at Bills, then hosting the Jets on a short week on Thursday night. That’s a big test. Division games are always tough, even when they’re against two teams that are likely in transition. Would’ve been preferable to get an NFC team in there, since those games are less consequential, but it’s a chance for the Pats to take an early lead in the division.

The back-to-back divisional games in October will be a good test as well when they got to the Jets then host the Dolphins. Mark down that Dolphins game, it could be a big one.

Two road games vs. playoff opponents is never easy, and the Pats will go to Atlanta then Cincinnati in back to back weeks.

Most interesting though is the final six games. They’ll play three of the AFC’s top playoff seeds from last season, along with two divisional games vs. Miami and Buffalo. 

Even if they start slow the Pats will have a chance to make a big push at the end, with their fate in their own hands. But the divisional games will come in back-to-back weeks at the start and in the middle. They’ll need to be on their game for those, because as always, winning the division is the primary objective.

Mark it down – Sunday November 24th on Sunday Night Football vs. the Broncos. We can all circle that one now. That will make back-to-back national games coming off a Monday Night tilt with the Panthers.

5 national games is a lot, and I love that they’ll go to Baltimore in Week 16 on Sunday Night Football. Should be a great atmosphere and excellent prep for the playoffs.