Patriots back from bye, ready for prime time games

FOXBOROUGH (AP) -- The New England Patriots are back from their bye week and they are getting ready for back-to-back prime time games.

The Patriots play in Carolina against the Panthers next Monday night, followed by a Sunday night game at home against the Denver Broncos.

Coach Bill Belichick says the night games don't mess with the weekly schedule much, but on game day, players do have to adjust to the shifting kickoff times.

The Patriots are in first place in the AFC East, two games ahead of the New York Jets. New England has won two in a row, including a 55-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

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