2010 Patriots Schedule with Analysis

The NFL released each team's 2010 schedule tonight. Here's what's on tap for the Pats:

Sun. Sept. 12 vs. Cincinnati, 1 PM
Sun. Sept. 19 at N.Y. Jets, 4 PM
Sun. Sept. 26 vs. Buffalo, 1 PM
Mon. Oct. 4 at Miami, 8:30 PM
Week 5 -- Bye
Sun. Oct. 17 vs. Baltimore, 1 PM
Sun. Oct. 24 at San Diego, 4:15 PM
Sun. Oct. 31 vs. Minnesota, 4:15 PM
Sun. Nov. 7 at Cleveland, 1 PM
Sun. Nov. 14 at Pittsburgh, 8:20 PM
Sun. Nov. 21 vs. Indianapolis, 4:15 PM
Thu. Nov. 25 at Detroit, 12:30 PM
Mon. Dec. 6 vs. N.Y. Jets, 8:30 PM
Sun. Dec. 12 at Chicago, 1 PM
Sun. Dec. 19 vs. Green Bay, 8:20 PM
Sun. Dec. 26 at Buffalo, 1 PM
Sun. Jan. 2 vs. Miami, 1 PM

Quick thoughts:

• This is the NFL's 6th toughest schedule based on the combined 2009 opponent's records (136-120).
  
• The bye week is fairly early, but with the Thanksgiving matchup at Detroit in week 12, the Patriots will have 11 full days off before the take on the Jets December 6th at home on Monday Night Football.
• The farthest west that the team travels besides their week 7 game at San Diego is a matchup at Cleveland. Not bad.
• The Patriots catch the Browns off of their bye week.
  
• There will be two Monday Night Football mathups each versus a division opponent (week 4 at Miami and week 13 versus the Jets).
• It will be a tough two game set November 7th and November 14th with a game at Pittsburgh and then versus the Colts.
• The Patriots will have three home games in the last five weeks which could make for a good home field advantage in the cold weather.
  

In the wise words of Bill Belichick "it is what it is" and the Patriots will adapt to the quirks in their schedule.