One version of the involves how difficult it becomes for teams to repeat as champions -- often referred to as the hangover. The last team to cure that hangover happens to be the one stepping to the plate: The . Bill Belichick and have scaled almost every NFL Mountain, including the elusive back-to-back titles, which came in 2003 and 2004. The are the only NFL franchise to win back-to-back s twice (1974-75, 1978-79). The path back for the losing team appears even more daunting. While the became C.J. Miles Jersey the first team since the '04 Pats to return to back-to-back s, they are climbing a steeper hill against history this season. Not since the in XXVII and XXVIII has a losing team returned to the championship game -- that is also the last time a team made three straight s. In a sport in which parity reigns, returning to the scene of glory is an intimidating task. With the schedule newly released, let's take a look at the path each of our squads must take in 2015: Patriots' path to repeatingWith Belichick running the show and Brady under center, the will remain favorites in the AFC East and to return to the AFC Championship Game. Still, their roster turnover provides plenty of question marks, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The schedule makers did the Pats a favor by kicking Jerome Robinson Jersey off the season with New England facing a likely -le s . Bell is the most versatile running back in the NFL and not having to scheme for him will take some pre sure off the Pats' defense. Yet, facing while trying to Trevor Ariza Jersey revamp a secondary is no picnic. The Pats then face Rex Ryan and the on the road. While with the , Ryan gave Brady some of his toughest games, and he will steer another dominating front. New England can struggle in Western New York at times, but facing Ryan early -- while he's still getting to know his personnel -- is another nice break for the defending champs. An early Week 4 bye precedes visits to 2014 playoff teams in the and , the latter being a rematch of the AFC championship. The ' toughest stretch will come during a November-December swing that sees them face Ryan a second time, travel to Denver to face , host Chip Kelly's and visit 's . The AFC East spent its to knock the Pats off their pedestal so it won't be an easy path to repeat for Belichick and Brady. Then again, it never is. Seahawks' route to returningPete Carroll's squad will continue to boast one of the best secondary units, despite it being pilfered yearly. Adding as a for solidified the ' most glaring offensive need. The combo will Rui Hachimura Jersey put Seattle as a favorite with the to come out of the NFC and to reach a third-consecutive . The path, however, is cluttered with rocks and boulders. Seattle begins their road with back-to-back away games to start the season: at St. Louis, where the haven't played well recently, and into Green Bay, where the from the NFC championship lo s. Prior to a Week 9 bye, Carroll's squad will take on five teams that made the playoffs in 2014 ( Cassius Winston Jersey at , vs. , at , vs. , at ). Squeezed in is also a Thursday night matchup with rival in Santa Clara. That's five road games in eight to open up the schedule. Coming out of the bye is another tough stretch, but luckily the face the , and at home during that run. The latest Podcast grading the prime-time games and highlighting the Week 1 matchups. Find more content on .