Star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who recently had ankle surgery, should have no problem regaining full health and be ready to go. With former offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien leaving to become head coach at Penn State, John McDaniels, who returned to the Patriots' sideline during the playoffs last season, will be back running the offense, which was his job before being hired as head coach of the Broncos three years ago.
Conference Opponents (Home)
Colts: Will we get another epic Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady battle? Or will Manning land somewhere else? Either way, just like last season — the Colts were awful but still had a chance at the end of the game — the game should still be somewhat close.
Texans: There's something Texans coach Gary Kubiak and Giants coach Tom Coughlin have in common: they both have the ability to get the best of Bill Belichick. The Texans have beat the Patriots on two separate occasions over the past three seasons, but the edge here should go to the Pats since they are playing at Gillette Stadium. The Texans will be a top AFC team next year, though, with a healthy Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson.
Broncos: The Pats beat the Broncos twice in three weeks last season, the latter of the victories coming in the playoffs. Denver was outmatched in both games, but with fewer mistakes, the Broncos could have fared a little better against the eventual Super Bowl runner-ups.
Conference Opponents (Away)
Jaguars: Visiting Jacksonville may have never been as easy as it could be next season. The quarterback problems that have plagued the Jags for some time need to be fixed quick, but with improved play by Blaine Gabbert, the Jags could be a threat with a defense that is sure to get beefed up and the lethal running back and current rushing champion Maurice Jones-Drew.
Titans: The Titans should be an improved squad from last year, and they were impressive last season. Working with a new quarterback in Matt Hasselback (who also battled injury) last year, the Titans finished above .500. Add a healthy receiver Kenny Britt and (presumably) a rejuvenated Chris Johnson, and Tennessee could give the Pats a run for their money.
Ravens: It feels like every game between the Patriots and Ravens is incredibly close. The Ravens' last game of the 2011 season was no different, and they won't need a reminder of that. Baltimore is synonymous with stingy defense, but whether or not New England contains Ray Rice and the Baltimore offense will be the difference maker.
NFC Opponents (Home)
49ers: The Niners were the Cinderella team of the 2011 season; they went from "Will Harbaugh lose on purpose?" to "Will San Fran be in the Super Bowl?" And they should be right back with that vicious defense next season. Lucky for the Pats, New England is playing at home.
Cardinals: The Cardinals had an up-and-down season in 2011, but a steady quarterback will keep them contending. As the season wore down last year, John Skelton stepped in and let Arizona to key wins over playoff teams.
NFC Opponents (Away)
Rams: While both teams will technically be away — the game is in London — the Rams have a new coach in Jeff Fisher and a capable quarterback in Sam Bradford. They're rebuilding; and they'll have their hands full with the Pats.
Seahawks: Like so many other teams, Seattle needs answers at quarterback. The team's overall play will illustrate the proper change, and fast. Marshawn Lynch (if he stays put) will still be running people over. Now, just get the ball to Golden Tate.
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