The last time we saw the Patriots in action, they defeated the Seattle Seahawks in what was arguably the greatest Super Bowl of all-time. As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Patriots are once again favored to win the AFC East, for a seventh consecutive season.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots have compiled 12 wins or more the last five straight seasons, but there is some doubt heading into this season.

Without a doubt, the biggest reason uncertainty creeps in this year is because of Tom Brady's suspension. Because Brady would not cooperate with the league, he is currently out for the first four games of the year. Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start if Brady's suspension is upheld once again.

There's no doubt the Patriots have owned the AFC East in the 21st century. They've won this division 11 of the last 12 seasons, but the other squads are improving. The New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins all have great defensive units, but questions at the quarterback position.

Outside of the division, others have taken a step back as well. The Pittsburgh Steelers no longer have an elite defense, the Denver Broncos fired their head coach this offseason, and the Indianapolis Colts haven't shown they can defeat the Patriots.

The Patriots (and rest of the AFC East) will take on the NFC East this season. The New York Giants have defeated the Patriots the last three consecutive games. The Patriots schedule doesn't start off easy, but it does show an advantage in the end. In all five of the Patriots' December games, they play a team who didn't make the playoffs last year.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1