Patriots Still in Control Despite Collapse Against Bills, Eyes Now on Baltimore
Week 15 was supposed to be a celebration in Foxborough. The AFC East title was within reach, the playoff hats and T-shirts were practically folded and ready.
But after a blistering start, the Patriots let a 21-point lead slip through their fingers in a gut-wrenching 35-31 loss to the Bills. No clinching moment.
No merch. Just a long look in the mirror heading into a critical Week 16 showdown in Baltimore.
Let’s be clear: This wasn’t just a bad loss. It was a collapse.
New England led 24-7 at halftime and looked every bit like the team that had gone 10-1 in its previous 11 games. Drake Maye was sharp early, the offensive line gave him time, and the defense had Josh Allen on the ropes.
Then, the second half happened.
Buffalo rattled off five straight touchdown drives. Meanwhile, the Patriots' offense sputtered-managing just three first downs after the break.
Maye, who had been efficient and composed in the first two quarters, completed just five of 12 passes for 47 yards in the second half. He was sacked three times, threw a pick, and connected on just one of his final seven pass attempts.
It was a stunning reversal from a quarterback who’s been in the MVP conversation all season.
That loss stings. No doubt.
But here’s the bigger picture: New England is still in the driver’s seat. At 11-3, they control their own destiny in the AFC East.
A win this Sunday night in Baltimore would lock up a playoff berth, and the division crown is still very much within reach.
And let’s not forget-this team has been one of the hottest in football under Mike Vrabel. One bad half doesn’t erase months of strong, disciplined play.
The Patriots have won every road game and every night game this season. That’s not a fluke.
That’s a sign of a team that shows up when the lights are brightest.
Baltimore, sitting at 7-7, isn’t a pushover. Especially not at home.
The Ravens have a reputation for making things difficult for New England, and the oddsmakers have taken note-opening the week with Baltimore as 2.5-point favorites. But this Patriots team has shown all year that it can handle adversity.
This week is about response. It’s about how Vrabel gets this group refocused after the kind of loss that can linger if you let it.
A win in Baltimore wouldn’t just punch a postseason ticket-it would reassert New England’s status as a legitimate contender in the AFC. And with the Broncos, Jaguars, Chargers, and Texans all in the thick of the playoff race, every game from here on out carries weight.
Around the AFC East:
- Patriots (11-3) at Ravens (7-7) - Sunday night spotlight, and New England’s chance to bounce back in a big way.
- Bills (10-4) at Browns (3-11) - Buffalo looks to build on last week’s comeback and keep pressure on the division race.
- Dolphins (6-8) vs. Bengals (4-10) - Miami’s playoff hopes are slim, but they’re still alive.
- Jets (3-11) at Saints (4-10) - Two teams playing out the string, but still evaluating young talent.
Key AFC Matchups to Watch:
- Broncos (12-2) vs. Jaguars (10-4) - A potential playoff preview and huge implications for seeding.
- Steelers (8-6) at Lions (8-6) - Both teams fighting for Wild Card spots.
- Chargers (10-4) at Cowboys (6-7-1) - LA trying to keep pace in a crowded AFC playoff picture.
- Texans (9-5) vs. Raiders (2-10) - Houston can’t afford a slip-up.
- Colts (8-6) vs. 49ers (10-4) - Indy’s defense will be tested.
- Chiefs (6-8) at Titans (2-12) - Kansas City hanging on by a thread.
Stock Watch: Patriots Slide in Power Rankings
The collapse against Buffalo didn’t go unnoticed across the national landscape. Several power rankings took a dim view of New England’s second-half meltdown:
- Eric Edholm (NFL.com) dropped them one spot, noting the dramatic shift in performance after halftime. Maye’s MVP hopes took a hit, and the team’s shot at the No. 1 seed may be gone.
- Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) and Ralph Vacchiano (FOX Sports) both pushed the Pats down three spots, citing concerns about the team’s ability to close out big games.
- **Frank Schwab (Yahoo!
Sports)** urged caution, pointing out that New England is still 10-1 in its last 11 and outgained the Bills overall. A stumble, yes, but not a collapse of identity.
- Diante Lee (The Ringer) echoed that sentiment: don’t overreact. Maye has shown enough to believe in him down the stretch.
- Mike Reiss (ESPN) highlighted DT Khyiris Tonga as a potential extension candidate. Tonga’s been a key rotational piece-doing the dirty work in the trenches that doesn’t always show up in the box score but makes a difference on tape.
- Nate Davis (USA Today) reminded readers this is still a young team, and that inexperience showed up late against Buffalo.
Bottom Line:
This week is about answers. Can the Patriots shake off a brutal loss and show the mental toughness that’s defined their season?
Can Drake Maye bounce back under the prime-time lights in a hostile environment? Can Mike Vrabel’s crew prove they’re still among the AFC’s elite?
We’ll find out Sunday night in Baltimore. One win, and the playoff ticket is punched.
One win, and the AFC East crown is back in reach. One win, and the Patriots are right back on track.
Let’s see how they respond.