2011 New England Patriots Schedule Says AFC Champ

No team fared better during the 2010 regular season than the New England Patriots. They went 14-2, which shouldn't surprise anyone, considering Tom Brady threw nine times as many touchdowns as interceptions. That's right, he threw thirty-six touchdowns; he only threw four interceptions! They committed a record-low 10 turnovers for the entire season. They scored over 500 points and boasted the NFL's best player, with a defense that got better with each game.

This is why it came as such a shock to the football world when the New York Jets, who lost to the Patriots by six touchdowns in their previous meeting, defeated New England 28-21 in the AFC Divisional Round, knocking the Super Bowl favorites out of contention.

I'm using as reference FB Schedules website with the 2011 New England Patriots' Football Schedule.

The Patriots enter 2011 with more of the same in terms of talent, and I think it's hard to argue with the Bill Belicheck-Tom Brady combination.

The New England Patriots against the AFC East:

If there are any teams the Patriots struggle against, it's the Indianapolis Colts, occasionally, and division rivals Miami and New York. Of course, "struggle" means something different for the Patriots than for, say, the Bills. For example, at one point in 2010, the Patriots were 5-1 and analysts were pointing out all of their flaws. So I'll take a 2-2 split between New York and Miami, with a season sweep of Buffalo. A 4-2 divisional record -- I consider that success; Bill Belichick will probably be furious about it.

The New England Patriots on the road against non-divisional opponents:

For a long time, the Patriots have been known as road warriors, so it should come as no surprise when I predict a 5-0 record in this section, with victories over the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins. Easiest prediction section I have written yet.

The New England Patriots at home against non-divisional opponents :

The Patriots host Kansas City, San Diego, Indianapolis (that's right, they play each other again), Dallas, and the New York Giants. I predict victories over Kansas City, Dallas, and New York, with San Diego and Indianapolis winning potential nail biters. That puts New England at 3-2 for this section. Not too shabby.

All in all, I have the Patriots finishing 2011 with a 12-4 division-winning record. Tom Brady has another pro bowl season, the running game continues to complement, and, if anything, I think the defense will be better.

It won't be a repeat of last year.

Reference:

FB Schedules Website, "2011 New England Patriots Football Schedule"