Few predicted the New England Patriots would go on the road and upset the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener, and they made everyone pay for picking against them with a 16-10 victory.
Through the brute force of what looks to be an elite defense and an offense that avoided turning the ball over, the Patriots spoiled the return party for quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Now, they'll be celebrating a return party of their own in their home opener at Gillette Stadium on Sunday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks.