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Sports

Proud Patriots not worried about potential opponents, focus on themselves during bye week

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • Patriots Whos Next Football
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    New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones talks with reporters in the locker room after an NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (The Associated Press)

  • e0b424fa-Patriots Whos Next Football
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    New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker is surrounded by members of the media in the locker room after an NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (The Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots don't know yet who they'll face in their playoff opener.

But they do have plenty of firsthand knowledge about all three potential opponents.

The Patriots, who won another AFC East Division title and have a bye, have played every one of them. They routed Indianapolis 59-24 and Houston 42-14, and lost 31-30 to Baltimore.

Either way, players will focus mostly on self-improvement this week. But coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday that work also will be done on all three possible foes.

New England (12-4) will be home for the divisional round Jan. 13 against the Texans if they beat Cincinnati Saturday. If Houston loses, New England will host the winner of Sunday's game between Baltimore and Indianapolis.

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