NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2006 record: 12-4

Outlook: Coach Bill Belichick reinforced his genius status with offseason acquisitions that, on paper, make the Patriots a lock in the division.

Best-case scenario: WR Randy Moss and QB Tom Brady click so quickly that they shoot a new bunch of those Visa ads that featured Jerry Rice and Steve Young gadding about town together.

Worst-case scenario: Injuries decimate the Pats' suspect, aging linebackers.

Parting shot: No team enters the season with higher expectations. A division title won't be enough.

2007 schedule

Sept. 9 at New York Jets, 11 a.m.

Sept. 16 San Diego, 6:15 p.m.

Sept. 23 Buffalo, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Cincinnati, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 Cleveland, 11 a.m.

Oct. 14 at Dallas, 2:15 p.m.

Oct. 21 at Miami, 11 a.m.

Oct. 28 Washington, 2:15 p.m.

Nov. 4 at Indianapolis, 2:15 p.m.

Nov. 11 BYE

Nov. 18 at Buffalo, 11 a.m.

Nov. 25 x-Philadelphia, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 3 at Baltimore, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 Pittsburgh, 11 a.m.

Dec. 16 New York Jets, 11 a.m.

Dec. 23 Miami, 11 a.m.

Dec. 29 at N.Y. Giants, 6:15 p.m.

NEW YORK JETS

2006 record: 10-6

Outlook: RB Thomas Jones seems to be the final piece of the puzzle in the eyes of Jets fans. How quickly they forget that the team overachieved last season and has a few holes.

Best-case scenario: Second-year center Nick Mangold and tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson grow up in a hurry, solidifying the offensive line.

Worst-case scenario: An anemic pass rush exposes the secondary as mediocre on a good day.

Parting shot: Eric Mangini exceeded expectations as a rookie coach, raising the hopes of New York fans for a playoff run this year. Take a deep breath and lower the bar.

2007 schedule

Sept. 9 New England, 11 a.m.