The real drool-worthy regular-season games all seem to come in the first half of the year, though. The season will kick off Sept. 9 with a road game against the Titans. Then, within the first seven weeks, New England will host the Denver Broncos in Week 3, led by Peyton Manning, and the New York Jets in Week 7, led by some hybrid of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.
Other noteworthy foes include the Baltimore Ravens, hoping not to flub this one with a wayward kick; the Indianapolis Colts, praying that Andrew Luck turns into all he's been hyped as; and the San Francisco 49ers, which will mark 2012's return of Randy Moss to New England. Oh, and the Jets will take their turn as host when they play New England in prime time on Thanksgiving Day!
With so many exciting games to look forward to, September can't get here soon enough.
Check out the full 2012 New England Patriots schedule below.
Week 1 — Sunday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m.: at Titans
Week 2 — Sunday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m.: vs. Cardinals
Week 3 — Sunday, Sept. 23, 8:20 p.m.: at Ravens
Week 4 — Sunday, Oct. 2, 1 p.m.: at Bills
Week 5 — Sunday, Oct. 7, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Broncos
Week 6 — Sunday, Oct. 14, 4:05 p.m.: at Seahawks
Week 7 — Sunday, Oct. 21, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Jets
Week 8 — Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m.: at Rams
Week 9 — Bye
Week 10 — Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m.: vs. Bills
Week 11 — Sunday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m.: vs. Colts
Week 12 — Thursday, Nov. 22, 8:20 p.m.: at Jets
Week 13 — Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m.: at Dolphins
Week 14 — Monday, Dec. 10, 8:30 p.m.: vs. Texans
Week 15 — Sunday, Dec. 16, 8:20 p.m.: vs. 49ers
Week 16 — Saturday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m.: at Jaguars
Week 17 — Sunday, Dec. 30, 1 p.m.: vs. Dolphins
