HOMECOMING KINGS: LSU alums Kayshon Boutte and Will Campbell both shined in Sunday's win at the Superdome, continuing a pattern of the Patriots getting extraordinary performances from players who have returned to their roots. Christopher Price has more.
POPPING UP: DeMario Douglas had a quiet start to his season, but he bounced back Sunday with three catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Nicole Yang looks at how the Patriots going to spread the wealth on offense.
UNCONVENTIONAL REVIEW: Sunday’s game was closer than it should have been, for reasons in and way out of the Patriots’ control. But they did what a good team should do — avoided a letdown, and found a way to prevail. Chad Finn has more thoughts on the win.
IN THE HUNT: The Patriots are proving they are very much for real, and in a wide-open AFC with no obvious favorite, fans can be excused if they want to start dreaming big, writes Ben Volin.
SAY WHAT?: Referee Adrian Hill explained his late offensive pass interference call in the first quarter which erased a 61-yard Douglas touchdown. Nicole Yang has the details.
AS IT HAPPENED: As is the case throughout the season, the Globe provided live updates throughout Sunday's game. Here's how the win unfolded.
AROUND THE LEAGUE: Patrick Mahomes threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, scrambled for another score, and led the Chiefs to a 30-17 victory over the ailing Lions on Sunday night in a game that ended with a fistfight among players. ... Former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Mark Sanchez
was released from custody Sunday, about a week after police said he was stabbed during a fight with a truck driver outside an Indiana hotel.
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