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Tom Brady, Peyton Manning Continue Annual Faceoff With Broncos, Jets Among Notable Patriots Opponents in 2012

The NFL released the schedule for the 2012 regular season Tuesday, leaving Patriots fans salivating at the chance for another deep postseason run.

The real drool-worthy regular-season games all seem to come in the first half of the year, though. The season will kick off Sept. 9 with a road game against the Titans. Then, within the first seven weeks, New England will host the Denver Broncos in Week 3, led by Peyton Manning, and the New York Jets in Week 7, led by some hybrid of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.

Other noteworthy foes include the Baltimore Ravens, hoping not to flub this one with a wayward kick; the Indianapolis Colts, praying that Andrew Luck turns into all he's been hyped as; and the San Francisco 49ers, which will mark 2012's return of Randy Moss to New England. Oh, and the Jets will take their turn as host when they play New England in prime time on Thanksgiving Day!

With so many exciting games to look forward to, September can't get here soon enough.

Check out the full 2012 New England Patriots schedule below.

Week 1 — Sunday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m.: at Titans

Week 2 — Sunday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m.: vs. Cardinals

Week 3 — Sunday, Sept. 23, 8:20 p.m.: at Ravens

Week 4 — Sunday, Oct. 2, 1 p.m.: at Bills

Week 5 — Sunday, Oct. 7, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Broncos

Week 6 — Sunday, Oct. 14, 4:05 p.m.: at Seahawks

Week 7 — Sunday, Oct. 21, 4:15 p.m.: vs. Jets

Week 8 — Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m.: at Rams

Week 9 — Bye

Week 10 — Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m.: vs. Bills

Week 11 — Sunday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m.: vs. Colts

Week 12 — Thursday, Nov. 22, 8:20 p.m.: at Jets

Week 13 — Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m.: at Dolphins

Week 14 — Monday, Dec. 10, 8:30 p.m.: vs. Texans

Week 15 — Sunday, Dec. 16, 8:20 p.m.: vs. 49ers

Week 16 — Saturday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m.: at Jaguars

Week 17 — Sunday, Dec. 30, 1 p.m.: vs. Dolphins