Tuesday

Bill Belichick, Pats not going to London for the fish and chips

When New England visits old England this weekend, don’t expect to see Tom Brady traipsing around Piccadilly Circus. The all-business Patriots made it clear their intention is to fly into London on Friday, practice Saturday and kick arse Sunday before returning over the Atlantic.

Coach Bill Belichick, in typical curmudgeonly style, made it clear he and his team aren’t coming to Britain to take in the sights.

“I probably couldn’t name one team in the England premier national soccer league or whatever it is … federation, but I’ve been to London a couple times. I’ve had fish and chips. Absolutely. Great. But I’m just trying to win a game.”

Added quarterback Tom Brady: “I think we will be in the most remote area. There won’t be anything within miles. I don’t think we’ll do any sightseeing. We probably won’t do a whole lot of that, not on this trip.”

The Patriots, of course, come off that 59-0 shellacking of the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Brady threw six touchdowns, including five in the second quarter, and New England (4-2) moved into first place in the AFC East. In London, they’ll face the moribund Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-6), who are well aware of what they could be in for.

“They’re capable of embarrassing you because they have weapons that not everybody has,” linebacker Barrett Ruud said. “They have Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker is a premier slot guy. Obviously, their trigger guy is awesome. When they’re on the way they’e on, you have to find a way to make great plays because you know they’re going to make great plays, too.”

New England is favored by a whopping 14.5 against the point spread and the over/under is listed at 45.

Other London Bowl facts:

Game info: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS (704 DirecTV)

Venue: Wembley Stadium (86,000 capacity for NFL)

Forecast: 60 degrees, partly cloudy

Fantasy football tip: You know Brady and Moss will look to put on a show, but the Bucs’ pass defense ranks 11th in the league. It’s their run D that’s awful. It ranks 31st in the NFL, meaning Laurence Maroney and the Pats’ other backs could dominate.

History: This is the third year the NFL will play a game at Wembley Stadium. The New York Giants won the first 13-10 over Miami then New Orleans beat San Diego 37-32 last year.