It’s that time of year again! Your 2016/17 Super Bowl LI Champions New England Patriots have the 2017/18 schedule ready! Here is some analysis for each game.
***Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 7 vs. Chiefs, 8:30 (Banner Night)
The atmosphere this coming September 7th is going to be very ecstatic. Although it is on a Thursday night, a day fans and players have been on the fence about, New Englanders will make the trek down Route 495 to Foxboro (or another route) for what is suppose to be a very special night. Let the games begin against a team that has been surging and a quarterback (Alex Smith) that is one of the most underrated players in our league.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 17 at Saints, 1:00 pm
With an AFC West team kicking off the highly anticipating 2017 season, the New Orleans Saints should be an intriguing Week 2 match up. With star WR Brandin Cooks now wearing red, white and blue, this will be a homecoming game for the speedster slot receiver.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 24 vs. Texans, 1:00 pm
A team that has essentially made a New England Patriots alumni roster in the Lonestar State, the familar faces will return to the plains of Foxboro. With Houston still uncertain at the quarterback position, Brady and company could potentially see a matchup against a rookie quarterback if Houston pulls the trigger on one in the NFL Draft.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 1 vs. Panthers, 1:00 pm
Taking advantage of this year’s deadline was a main priority for the Super Bowl champs, as they now have obtained DE/ DT Kony Ealy from the Panthers for a second round pick in this year’s draft along with other key acquisitions. Should be intriguing what Carolina does on draft day, but more important, who will be lining up against the Pats offensive line in Ealy’s place?
Week 5: Thursday, Oct. 5 at Buccaneers, 8:25 pm
Another team with untapped potential, Tampa Bay is no team to look down over. Youthful, vibrant players make up the roster of one of the most intriguing roster combinations in the NFL.
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 15 at Jets, 1:00 pm
Where do I begin here.. The dysfunctional Jets have been in the midst of poor performances and a coaching staff that believes in this team. We’ll see if they tune up the offense and bulk up that monster defense anchored by Leonard Williams and company.
****Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 22 vs. Falcons, 8:30 pm
The most highly anticipated matchup besides game one, the Super Bowl 51 reunion makes it way to the Commonwealth. Expect the largest crowds and the most hammered fans gathering to watch two high power teams duke it out once more.
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 29 vs. Chargers, 1:00 pm
Now as the Los Angeles Chargers, the rebuilding stages is in tact for the team that needs healthy players. A widespread of youth talent is in the Chargers future with Joey Bosa and Melvin Gordon, so it should be rather intriguing watching this matchup.
Week 9: Bye
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 12 at Broncos, 8:30 pm
A perfectly placed Bye week, this is a week to prepare for a relentless team with a stable front office. Although we always tease Denver about the altitude differences, it is a serious advantage for the Broncos, who are acclimated to the weather 24/7. Other than Mother Nature in Denver’s favor, we’ll see if New England gets to take on Trever Siemian or Paxton Lynch.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 19 at Raiders in Mexico City, 4:15 pm
An unusual proposition on behalf of the NFL, this is certainly a new environment for both teams. With the NFL looking at opportunities around the globe, making use of our neighbors down South gives the loyal fans of Mexico a chance to watch superstars battle it out in a neutral site location.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Dolphins, 1:00 pm
Miami put up a 10-6 regular season record last year, despite going through rough patches. This is a team that ditched defensive end Dion Jordan and made big changes in the front office and coaching staff. This will be our first test against our division foes down in the Sunshine State.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 3 at Bills, 1:00 pm
Quite literally, New England has encouraged Bills players to join the successful franchise that is built on winning. Bills fans are relentless people and are dedicated to their team, showing optimistic feelings about this year moving on from the 2016/17 departed players.
Week 14: Monday, Dec. 11 at Dolphins, 8:30 pm
Two times in three weeks we face the Miami Dolphins. As crunch time is near, taking out the Dolphins for good is what needs to focus during this week.
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 17 at Steelers, 4:25 pm
A consistent franchise since the days of Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh is a late schedule challenge that never refuses to lose. Always matched up precisely with New England, this should be a slug fest.
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 24 vs. Bills, 1:00 pm
Facing two of the division rivals in the second half of the 2017 schedule (meaning the two game series), New England is focusing on taking out non-division opponents early on then working their way down to the Bills and Dolphins. Not to mention, the holiday spirit will be in full stride.
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 31 vs. Jets, 1:00 pm
New Year’s Eve, a Sunday afternoon and most likely blistering cold, this is your typical winter New England game that has everyone going bananas. Bring out the Bud Light as people will be grabbing buds to enjoy the season finale.
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