Even at 1-2, the Patriots find themselves in surprisingly good company as they peek around the neighborhood to see the other sub-.500 teams who hope they’re just temporarily subletting in this area of the NFL standings. The Chiefs, Steelers, Colts, Seahawks, Bears, and Washington Football Team are all there, too, and each of those clubs is coming off a playoff season. At least a couple others, like the Dolphins and Vikings, expect to at least contend for a place in the postseason this year.
But only one of those teams has to line up against Tom Brady as it tries to get its season on track this coming weekend.