The 2011 NFL schedule will be released tonight, with all 32 teams finding out when they will play their 16 regular season games.
Well, maybe. After all, we are still in a lockout, so who knows how many games will be played in 2011? Who knows if we will even have a 2011 NFL season?
So tell me again why this means anything at all, considering the circumstances?
Regardless, the league will release the schedule for next season, although we already know the 16 opponents of all 32 teams. What we don't know is when they will play and which teams will dominate the primetime schedule next season.
We do know that the New England Patriots will have one of the most challenging schedules in the entire league next season. We may not know when they will play their games, but we do know all 16 of their opponents, and many of them will be expected to provide some very stiff competition.
Look at the AFC East alone. Two games against the New York Jets, who Rex Ryan has already shockingly (this is where I would hold up my sarcasm sign for those who lack the ability to decipher) proclaimed will win the Super Bowl. Two games against the Miami Dolphins, who will be playing for their own jobs, as well as their coach and general manager, making them desperate before the season even starts. And two games against the Buffalo Bills, who are still capable of playing good teams tough, even with a lack of overall talent.
That is just their schedule within the division.
If you look at their other five road games, they travel to face the AFC West Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. those are both definitely winnable games, although the Raiders could be tough with a strong ground attack.
They also hit the road for NFC East showdowns with the Washington redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins will pose no threat whatsoever, but the Eagles could put up a fight, especially with so much speed on their team.
Finally, the Patriots have a road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pats have owned the Steelers in recent years, but it is always a physically grueling game.
As for their home contests, they host the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs from the AFC west, which should be two decent games. New England will be favored to win both, but it will not be easy.
Against the NFC East at home, the Patriots will host the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, who will be fully healed and ready to compete in 2011.
Finally, as always the Pats have a home game against the Indianapolis Colts. This one is never easy, yet always exciting.
A 14-2 record from last season will not easily be matched this season by New England. They will have to remain healthy on both sides of the ball, but will also need some of their younger stars to take the next step forward.
That includes some of their rookies, as they once again have numerous picks in the 2011 NFL Draft. That is, unless they move a good number of them like usual.
Tracy McGrady Yao Ming Luis Scola Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett
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