When the NFL schedule was released in April, an 11-5 record was predicted for the New England Patriots in our way-too-early game-by-game predictions. Let's update those projections, sticking with the same 11-5 mark:

Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 10, vs. Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Now we know -- it's Tom Brady vs. Ben Roethlisberger, a marquee matchup we always hoped to see. The respect that Roethlisberger has shown for Brady has always been notable. I'm expecting some early-season growing pains for the Patriots, but it's hard to pick against them on what should be an emotional night celebrating the Super Bowl championship. Patriots 30, Steelers 27. Record: 1-0

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Felt like this was a tough spot for the Patriots regardless of whether Brady or Jimmy Garoppolo was under center. Now we know it will be Brady. The Bills will be coming off a home opener against the Colts and their defense, coupled with athletic quarterback Tyrod Taylor, looks promising. Bills 17, Patriots 16. Record: 1-1

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, vs. Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

A believer in Jaguars coach Gus Bradley and general manager David Caldwell and what they are building. After two home games, this looks like a tough spot for them for their first road game of the season. Patriots 27, Jaguars 13. Record: 2-1

Week 4: Bye

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

First visit to "Jerry's World" for the Patriots and it has the potential to be the game of the year. Cowboys 27, Patriots 24. Record: 2-2

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.

Can only imagine the hype machine for this one. Most everything about this situation tells me the Colts have the upper hand, but until they prove they can stop the run, the Patriots will be the pick. Patriots 27, Colts 24. Record: 3-2

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m.

The Jets' defense looks tough, but quarterback issues still loom for them. Patriots 21, Jets 13. Record: 4-2

Week 8: Thursday, Oct. 29, vs. Miami, 8:30 p.m.

The Dolphins will be coming off a home contest against Houston entering this one, making it a similar week for them in terms of preparation because the schemes are so similar. Don't see them coming north and being able to pull it off on national television. Patriots 24, Dolphins 21. Record: 5-2

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, vs. Washington, 1 p.m.

Those who watched New England-Washington joint practices last year in Richmond figured it was only a matter of time before time ran out on Robert Griffin III. Patriots 30, Washington 10. Record: 6-2

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, at New York Giants, 4:25 p.m.

Almost every year there is a game that comes out of the blue and serves as a surprise of sorts. Maybe it's this one. Giants 24, Patriots 23. Record: 6-3

Week 11: Monday, Nov. 23, vs. Buffalo, 8:30 p.m.

The Bills haven't been in the playoffs since 1999, and this is the type of game that they need to win to prove things will be different in 2015. Still have some doubts. Patriots 25, Bills 24. Record: 7-3

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at Denver, 8:30 p.m.

I sense a Broncos slip in 2015, but this is still a tough place to win. Broncos 27, Patriots 24. Record: 7-4

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m.

Could be the most exciting game on the schedule based on the way both teams play. Let's call for overtime and a lot of respect between Bill Belichick and Chip Kelly after the fact. Patriots 41, Eagles 38 (OT). Record: 8-4

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Houston, 4:25 p.m.

Patriots South vs. the New England Patriots. Bill O'Brien has improved his 'Q' rating on HBO's "Hard Knocks" but those who knew him during his time in New England had little doubt he would be a success. Texans 20, Patriots 17. Record: 8-5

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, vs. Titans, 1 p.m.

Things are looking up for the Titans with Marcus Mariota at quarterback, but they are probably still another year away. Patriots 30, Titans 13. Record: 9-5

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, at Jets, 1 p.m.

Will be interesting to revisit how things have unfolded for both the Patriots and Darrelle Revis, and how Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler has hung in as Revis' replacement. Patriots 31, Jets 17. Record: 10-5

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at Miami, 1 p.m.

The NHL's "Winter Classic" will be played at Gillette Stadium, which is why the Patriots will be on the road for this one. Probably not going to be a classic. Patriots 35, Dolphins 20. Record: 11-5