Mark the 2011 NFL regular-season schedule on your calendars, and don't forget to use a pencil. The Patriots know when and where they'll be playing as long as next season doesn't face any interruptions.
The Patriots open on Monday Night Football in Miami, and their first game against the Jets will be Week 5 at Gillette Stadium. They'll visit the Jets in Week 10 on Sunday night.
The Patriots will host the rival Colts later than usual, in Week 13 on Sunday night.
Their bye is in Week 7.
The Patriots didn't have any consecutive home games last season, but it will happen twice this season — in Weeks 5 and 6 against the Jets and Cowboys, and in Weeks 16 and 17 against the Dolphins and Bills.
The Patriots will have consecutive road games in Weeks 3 and 4 against the Bills and Raiders, and in Weeks 14 and 15 against the Redskins and Broncos.
Aside from the opener, the Patriots will also play on Monday Night Football against the Chiefs in Week 11. Though things could change with flex scheduling, the Patriots will play four games in prime time.
Something to keep in mind, the Patriots' first meeting against the Jets will come after New England returns from Oakland, which will create a somewhat shorter week. However, that will be the third consecutive road game for the Jets, who will be coming off games against the Raiders and Ravens.
The Patriots have the 16th most difficult schedule based on their opponents' 2010 winning percentage (129-127, .504).
Week 1 — Monday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.: at Dolphins
Week 2 — Sunday, Sept. 18, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Chargers
Week 3 — Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.: at Bills
Week 4 — Sunday, Oct. 2, 4:15 p.m.: at Raiders
Week 5 — Sunday, Oct. 9, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Jets
Week 6 — Sunday, Oct. 16, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Cowboys
Week 7 — Bye
Week 8 — Sunday, Oct. 30, 4:15 p.m.: at Steelers
Week 9 — Sunday, Nov. 6, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Giants
Week 10 — Sunday, Nov. 13, 8:20 p.m.: at Jets
Week 11 — Monday, Nov. 21, 8:30 p.m.: vs. Chiefs
Week 12 — Sunday, Nov. 27, 4:15 p.m.: at Eagles
Week 13 — Sunday, Dec. 4, 8:20 p.m.: vs. Colts
Week 14 — Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.: at Redskins
Week 15 — Sunday, Dec. 18, 4:15 p.m.: at Broncos
Week 16 — Saturday, Dec. 24, 1 p.m.: vs. Dolphins
Week 17 — Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.: vs. Bills
