(The fact that I did this analysis is one of the top ten signs that I'm trying desperately to distract myself before tomorrow's game.)
In 2007, the Pats traveled a total of 12,802 miles and had to make only two time zone changes (back and forth to Dallas, one zone change each way).
In 2008, the Pats will travel a total of 30,836 miles and will have to make a total of 24 time zone changes (back and forth to the four Left Coast games, three time zone changes each way)
The schedule is bad even if the west coast games are spaced evenly over the season, but if they are bunched in any way (say two out of three or two in a row) the players won't know whether they are coming or going.
I know that these are young guys who are world class athletes, but this will be tough even for them.