The stakes are high this Sunday as the Buffalo Bills head into Foxborough for a showdown with the New England Patriots - a matchup with serious implications in the AFC East and the broader playoff picture. Both teams are in the thick of the postseason race, and with the Kansas City Chiefs reportedly out of the mix, this game could help shape the top of the conference.
Buffalo comes in riding a wave of momentum after a gritty win over the Bengals last week, but they’re facing a Patriots squad that’s been nothing short of dominant lately. New England hasn’t dropped a game in over two months, and with rookie quarterback Drake Maye playing at an MVP level, the challenge for the Bills is steep.
And now, they’ll have to do it without one of their defensive cornerstones.
Cornerback Christian Benford, who’s been having arguably his best season yet, is officially out for Sunday’s game due to a foot injury he suffered during the week. That’s a major blow to a Buffalo secondary that’s been steadily improving as the season’s gone on. Benford’s presence on the outside has been a key part of that growth - he’s made splash plays, locked down assignments, and provided stability in a unit that’s had its share of ups and downs.
With Benford sidelined, the pressure shifts to the rest of the defensive backfield, particularly rookie Cole Bishop. Bishop has shown flashes of promise, but he’ll be tested against a Patriots offense that’s been humming behind Maye’s arm.
The rookie QB has shown poise beyond his years, and he’s not afraid to take shots downfield. That means Buffalo’s young secondary will need to be sharp, disciplined, and ready to adjust on the fly.
The Bills’ injury report doesn’t stop there. Linebacker Terrell Bernard is also out, which further thins a defense that’s already being stretched. On the offensive side, wide receiver Gabe Davis will be a healthy scratch - a surprising move given his big-play ability - while Josh Palmer is set to return from injury, giving quarterback Josh Allen another option in the passing game.
This game isn’t just about bragging rights in the division. With the playoff race wide open, every win matters, and Sunday’s outcome could have significant implications for seeding. The Patriots are red-hot, but the Bills have found their rhythm lately and are looking to keep climbing.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET, and if recent history is any indication, we’re in for a physical, high-stakes battle between two teams that know what’s on the line.