We’re three weeks into the season and pretentious Patriots fans are already dreaming of 16-0.

The premise: New England -- already donning a sizable deflategate chip on its shoulder -- faces a favorable schedule for the remainder of the year. Five games remain against the deplorable AFC East, injuries are forcing the Cowboys to duct tape a lineup on a weekly basis and the Colts are boys amongst men.

Rex Ryan Can't Keep Tom Brady's Name Out Of His Mouth

Only the Broncos can be seen as a legitimate threat to another perfect regular season, but even that game will take place in Week 12. Peyton Manning’s arm is softer than a mother's touch by late November.

The schedule, coupled with Brady’s dominance, is favorable enough to conceive a 16-0 season.

Ryan Tannehill Still Can't Throw Better Than An Old Dan Marino

But Eli Manning's not about that life.

The Patriots travel to MetLife in Week 10 to face the Giants. Manning -- a true American hero for upending New England’s undefeated season -- will be under center.

We’ve seen this play out before over…

And over…

And over again.

Even the argument against it -- that the Patriots are significantly better than their counterpart -- holds no wieght. That was the case in 2008. That was the case in 2011. That was the case in 2012.

It didn’t matter then, it won’t matter in 2015.

Admittedly, this conversation is too premature to have in the first place. But before dreaming of an undefeated season, dream of a Super Bowl campaign that isn’t marred with controversy first.

For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook