Monday can't come fast enough.

EXPERTS' PICKS

The Patriots finished second in the AFC East last season with an 11-5 record. For more Patriots coverage, visit: Tim Graham's AFC East blog | Patriots clubhouse

ANALYST	PREDICTION
Jeffri Chadiha ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 Tom Brady is back on a team that won 11 games without him. He'll be looking to make up for all the time he missed last season.
John Clayton ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 Tom Brady should bring the Patriots back to the top of the division, but you have to wonder whether he can play all 16 games. His preseason shoulder injury was a scare because the Patriots aren't a playoff team without him. Brady has to control the tempo of the game because the defense is showing some age and leakage.
Tim Graham ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 As long as Bill Belichick is running the show and Tom Brady is healthy, the Patriots will be considered a Super Bowl contender. They won 11 games last season without Brady, and they upgraded at running back, tight end and cornerback.
Jeremy Green Scouts Inc.	DIVISION FINISH: 1 The return of Tom Brady makes the Patriots a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Don't rest on the defense, either; it will be much improved even with the departure of veteran leader Tedy Bruschi.
Paul Kuharsky ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 With Tom Brady back and the Patriots without a Super Bowl title since the 2004 season, the franchise will be gunning for a big showing. It has the players and coaching staff to win its fourth title in nine years.
Matt Mosley ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 Tom Brady's back. Enough said.
Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 Tom Brady is back from the knee injury that sidelined him most of last season. 'Nuff said. The offense will be explosive, but the back eight on defense, especially in the secondary, has to play a lot better.
Mike Sando ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 The Patriots will win the division as long as Tom Brady is their quarterback. I want to see how they work Joey Galloway into the offense.
Kevin Seifert ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 The Patriots were 11-5 last season without Tom Brady. With him, they're the best team in the division. Their offensive firepower is unmatched.
James Walker ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 If Tom Brady stays healthy, the current team of the decade could end the 2000s in spectacular fashion.
Seth Wickersham ESPN The Magazine	DIVISION FINISH: 1 With Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker -- not to mention a rejuvenated Fred Taylor and Joey Galloway -- this is the best offense in the NFL and could rewrite records. And it'll need to be, with a defense relying on two rookies and a bunch of aging vets.
Bill Williamson ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 Tom Brady is back, and so is another trip to the playoffs for the Patriots. This team is primed for another big season. The Patriots are the class of a strong division.
Matt Williamson Scouts Inc.	DIVISION FINISH: 1 These guys are loaded. The offense will contend for the league's best. The defense has thoroughly addressed its poor pass defense, and of course, there isn't a better coached team in the league. The Pats are hungry and ready to take aim at the NFL.
Pat Yasinskas ESPN.com	DIVISION FINISH: 1 Tom Brady is back healthy, and Bill Belichick still is the coach. In my book, that's good enough to make the Patriots the favorite to win the Super Bowl.