Looking at the Patriots' next five opponents

After taking care of business and then some against a pair of the NFL's weaklings, clobbering the winless Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a combined 94-7 score, the Patriots are enjoying their bye week with a 5-2 record, good for first place in the AFC East. But coach Bill Belichick has undoubtedly made his players aware that the road is about to get considerably tougher. In the five weeks following the bye, the Patriots will face, in order, Miami, Indianapolis, the NY Jets, New Orleans, and the Dolphins again. The combined record of those four teams: 18-7. Here is a closer look at the Patriots' upcoming opponents ...
After taking care of business and then some against a pair of the NFL's weaklings, clobbering the winless Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a combined 94-7 score, the Patriots are enjoying their bye week with a 5-2 record, good for first place in the AFC East. But coach Bill Belichick has undoubtedly made his players aware that the road is about to get considerably tougher. In the five weeks following the bye, the Patriots will face, in order, Miami, Indianapolis, the NY Jets, New Orleans, and the Dolphins again. The combined record of those four teams: 18-7. Here is a closer look at the Patriots' upcoming opponents ...
Globe Staff Photo / Matthew J. Lee