The New England Patriots will be looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2017-2018. Before they can do that, they must beat their schedule. Here’s a breakdown of how they match up against each of their opponents in 2017 outside of the division.<\/p>\n
The Patriots offense will have a tough time against the Kansas City defense that has Eric Berry<\/a><\/strong> and Marcus Peters<\/a><\/strong>. However, the Patriots high-powered offense could find a way to beat them.<\/p>\n The Chargers haven’t been a team that could beat the big dogs over the past decade. It’s more likely than not the Patriots will win this game against the Chargers.<\/p>\n The Falcons blew a 25 point lead the last time these two played. They’ll also probably suffer from a Super Bowl hangover, something the Patriots haven’t done lately. Don’t be surprised if this game turns out to be a blowout in the Patriots favor.<\/p>\n This is not the same Panthers team that went 15-1 two seasons ago. Cam Newton<\/a><\/strong> is not the same quarterback. This will be another game where the Patriots will pull away early and never let up.<\/p>\n Let’s face it. No matter who Houston’s quarterback is, they just can’t beat the Patriots. They especially can’t beat them in Foxborough. Check off another “W” for the Pats.<\/p>\n The Patriots held Denver to three points in their 2016 meeting, and now the Broncos have no DeMarcus Ware<\/a><\/strong> on defense. New England could be looking at a blowout win in the Mile High city.<\/p>\n This is hands down the toughest game on the Patriots schedule. This could easily be a preview of the AFC Championship game. Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong> and his high-powered offense against Derek Carr<\/a><\/strong> and his high-powered offense. If New England loses one game all season, this would be the one game.<\/p>\n Still, there’s one thing that Oakland doesn’t have that the Patriots do that keep them from matching up evenly: a running game.\u00a0Carr and Brady could throw for 500 yards each, but the Patriots running game gives them an edge.<\/p>\n New Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks<\/a><\/strong> will return to New Orleans to play his former team. That doesn’t matter here. What does matter here is that the Pats will be going up against a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. Chalk up another win.<\/p>\n The Patriots will have to plan for new Bucaneers receiver DeSean Jackson<\/a><\/strong>. They usually don’t face receivers with his type of speed. Outside of that, the Bucs don’t prove much of a challenge for the Patriots.<\/p>\n Many see the Steelers as a threat to the Patriots in the regular season and playoffs, but they’re not. The Patriots have shown that in the last two meetings, Le’Veon Bell<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or no Bell.<\/p>\n Things may be different with draft picks and free agency, but as of\u00a0right now, this is how the Patriots match up against each of their opponents in 2017.<\/p>\n Main Photo:<\/p>\nSan Diego Chargers<\/h4>\n
Atlanta Falcons<\/h4>\n
Carolina Panthers<\/h4>\n
Houston Texans<\/h4>\n
Away Opponents<\/h3>\n
Denver Broncos<\/h4>\n
Oakland Raiders<\/h4>\n
New Orleans Saints<\/h4>\n
Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/h4>\n
Pittsburgh Steelers<\/h4>\n