Every game counts in a 16-game NFL season, and playoff spots sometimes come down to the final weekend. With the NFL issuing a four-game suspension to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, what impact does that have on the Pats’ chance to repeat as Super Bowl champions?
Let's take a look:
Brady will miss a tough early stretch
A quick look at the Patriots’ schedule shows a fairly challenging early slate. The NFL season opens up at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro on a Thursday night with the Jimmy Garoppolo-led Patriots hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers.