New England Patriots: 2011 Schedule Charts Tough Road to AFC East Repeat

The New England Patriots are used to cruising through the AFC East. In fact, they do it almost every year. This year they tried to make it even easier on themselves by signing Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth (if Bill Belichick can keep them in check).

So what makes this year different?

Well, for one, the New York Jets are starting to become a yearly competitor. Rex Ryan has created a fearsome defense in New York. 

The Miami Dolphins certainly don't seem to be a threat yet, but they have improved as well.

Those two teams are the key to the Patriots schedule every year; if they can beat them, they're obviously in good shape to win the division. The Buffalo Bills aren't even worth talking about as they are generally a guaranteed two wins for the Patriots—and they did little this offseason to change that.

So, here's why the Patriots should be concerned. The Jets series is a toss up. Last season the Jets won two of the three games they played, including one in the playoffs. More than likely, they will split, 1-1, like in 2010, but there's a possibility of either team sweeping the other. If the Patriots drop both games of the series, there's a good chance the Jets will make a push for the division.

Against the Dolphins, the Patriots will probably have the edge in both games. However, the Dolphins always seem capable of stealing one from the Patriots and it wouldn't be shocking to see the teams split their regular-season series. Unlike the Jets, the Dolphins aren't likely to have a chance at the division—even if they manage to split or sweep the Patriots.

For the sake of the argument, let's assume the Patriots go 2-2 against the Dolphins and Jets. 

If that happens, the division will come down to who can win outside of the divisional games. 

The Patriots have some extremely tough road games this year—they have to travel to both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The Steelers obviously played in the Super Bowl last year and the Eagles are considered 2011's most improved team.

Other tough games will be playing the Colts, Chargers and Giants at home.

The biggest thing is that when looking at the Patriots schedule there are only three "sure" wins: the two games against the Bills and a game against the Redskins.

If the Patriots slip up in the game outside of their division, the Jets will be more than ready to pounce on the opportunity. Don't rule the Dolphins completely out, but it'd be surprising to see them make a push for the division.