FOXBOROUGH — There is no opponent to focus on yet, so the Patriots have spent the week worrying only about themselves. That’s not being selfish; it’s a benefit to holding a first-round playoff bye.

Following a scheduled day off Tuesday, the Patriots returned to practice Wednesday, and will work out Thursday before being given a three-day weekend. Don’t expect to hear them refer to the time off as a vacation, though. And even though they don’t have a game this weekend, it hasn’t meant an easy week.