The New England Patriots were believed to be one of the worst teams in the NFL. Their defense was weakened, and the offense was in shambles thanks to a struggling offensive line, lack of receiving weapons and a longtime backup quarterback being named the starter.
And then Week 1 happened.
The Patriots went on the road to Paycor Stadium and knocked off the Cincinnati Bengals in their home building. They pushed back on the growing narrative that they had accepted their fate as a bad team likely destined for another losing season and the worst record in football.