The New England Patriots are coming off a well-earned bye week, sitting at 11-2 and very much in control of their postseason destiny. But there’s no easing back into action - not with the Buffalo Bills coming to town this Sunday. This one’s got all the makings of a pivotal AFC East clash, and the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
This will be the second time these two teams square off this season. The first meeting came back in Week 5, when the Patriots edged out a 23-20 win in Buffalo - a gritty, hard-fought game that showcased New England’s ability to execute in key moments. Now, with home-field advantage and momentum on their side, you’d think the Patriots might be the favorites heading into the rematch.
But that’s not the case.
Despite their strong record and earlier win over the Bills, New England enters Week 15 as a 1.5-point underdog, according to FanDuel. That’s a nod to how much Buffalo has improved in recent weeks.
The Bills have rattled off two straight wins and are starting to look more like the team many expected to dominate the division this season. And of course, any conversation about Buffalo starts with Josh Allen - one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, capable of turning a broken play into a back-breaking touchdown in the blink of an eye.
The Patriots, meanwhile, have been the more consistent team throughout the year. While Buffalo was the preseason pick to win the AFC East, it’s New England that’s been setting the pace. And with just a few weeks left in the regular season, the division crown is still very much up for grabs.
A win on Sunday wouldn’t just give the Patriots a season sweep over their biggest rival - it could also put an end to Buffalo’s five-year run atop the AFC East. That’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often, and you can bet Bill Belichick and company will have their team locked in and ready.
Sunday’s matchup will be a test of more than just talent. It’s going to come down to execution, adjustments, and who can make the key plays in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots have been doing that all season long. The Bills are starting to do it again.
Now, we get to see who’s really ready to take control of the East.