The New England Patriots have started the season strong, posting a 5-2 record after their impressive 31-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Many in the NFL are closely watching New England’s impressive performance, including former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason. He believes the Patriots are among one of the best teams in the AFC.

“Right now the Patriots are a top three team in the AFC. There’s no question about it,” the WFAN host and NFL on CBS analyst said on Monday during WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show”.

“At 5-2 and leading the division, I figured the Patriots were going to be a playoff team this year, primarily because of their schedule, which seems to be getting easier by the day. However, yesterday’s performance and their performance a week ago against the New Orleans Saints reveal all you need to know about this team.”

Esiason is impressed with how New England has consistently handled weaker opponents this season.

“The Patriots are rounding into shape; they are not taking anybody for granted and are beating the teams they are supposed to beat,” Esiason added.”

Aside from New England’s season opener, where the Las Vegas Raiders won, the Patriots have performed well against less competitive teams.

The Patriots have proven they aren’t the same four-win team as last season by effectively handling weaker opponents.