Patriots Having Arguably the Easiest Path to the Super Bowl Will Drive Rival Fans Insane

Just when we think it's about time for the New England Patriots dynasty to end, the NFL rolls out the red carpet for them to return to the Super Bowl.

As if the Patriots really need any extra help to get to their fourth straight championship. The Pats were handed the easiest schedule out in the NFL, and that does not bode well for their fellow AFC East members.

It's hard to predict things before a single regular season game has been played, but it's not a good sign that the Patriots have the weakest schedule. It seems the Pats have an easy road to dominance every year, but some of it may have to do with the fact that they are a great football team. Still, facing the likes of the Dolphins, Bills and Jets six times a year isn't exactly a huge challenge.

The Patriots start with a tough clash at home against the Steelers in Week 1, before facing the Dolphins and Jets which gives them a good chance to start the season 2-1 at worst. Following the Steelers game, they do not play a team that can pose a threat until Week 8 when they play the Browns.

Maybe the best thing for the NFL is to keep the Patriots dominance alive, but fans outside of New England would disagree with that statement. The Pats were already favorites to head to any other Super Bowl, but now it is impossible to go against them with their cakewalk of a schedule.

The Pats are looking like locks to have a first-round bye in the playoffs this year, which bodes well for a return to the Super Bowl.