The stakes are high for the New England Patriots heading into their Week 15 showdown with the Buffalo Bills. A win not only keeps their playoff hopes alive-it would lock up the AFC East for the first time since 2019.
That’s not just a milestone; it’s a statement. And after edging out Buffalo 23-20 in a gritty Week 5 battle, the Patriots are looking to prove that win wasn’t a fluke.
But this time around, the Patriots will be rolling into Buffalo with a different-looking roster-especially in the trenches. Injuries have hit both sides of the ball, and the timing couldn’t be worse.
Offensive Line Shuffle
On offense, the absence of starting left tackle Will Campbell looms large. Campbell, placed on injured reserve before the Week 13 game against the Giants, had been a steady presence protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s blind side. His loss forces the Patriots to reshuffle an offensive line that’s already dealt with its fair share of moving parts this season.
The bye week gave Campbell some much-needed recovery time, but he’s still not ready to return. That puts added pressure on the rest of the offensive front to keep Maye upright against a Bills defense that’s known for turning up the heat, especially at home.
Defensive Front Takes Another Hit
Defensively, things might be even more concerning. The Patriots are already without Milton Williams, their marquee offseason addition who was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury against the Jets in Week 11. Williams had been living up to expectations as a disruptive force on the interior, and his absence has left a noticeable void.
Now, that void could grow even larger.
Christian Barmore didn’t practice on Friday, according to multiple reports. And while that doesn’t officially rule him out, Friday is typically the final tune-up before Sunday’s game-so missing it is definitely a red flag. If Barmore can’t go, the Patriots will be forced to lean heavily on Khyiris Tonga.
Tonga, another offseason pickup, has been used mostly in a rotational role on defense and has even moonlighted as a fullback in certain offensive packages. But with 277 defensive snaps under his belt this season-third-most among the team’s defensive tackles-he’s no stranger to the field. If Barmore is sidelined, Tonga’s role will expand significantly, and he’ll be asked to help anchor a front that’s already missing its top interior lineman.
The Challenge Ahead
Let’s be clear: beating the Bills in December is never easy. Doing it on the road, with key pieces missing from both the offensive and defensive lines?
That’s a tall order. Josh Allen isn’t the kind of quarterback you want to face with a depleted D-line.
If the Patriots can’t get pressure up front, Allen has the arm and mobility to make them pay-and pay quickly.
That’s why Tonga and the rest of the defensive front will need to step up in a big way. Containing Allen starts with winning at the line of scrimmage. If New England can’t generate pressure without blitzing, it could be a long afternoon.
A Glimmer of Good News
Not all of Friday’s updates were grim. Harold Landry was a full participant in practice, which is a welcome sign for a defense that’s already stretched thin. Landry’s presence on the edge could help offset some of the interior losses by forcing Allen to move off his spot and make quicker decisions.
Buffalo’s Banged-Up Secondary
It’s not just the Patriots dealing with injury concerns. The Bills are also managing some key absences-most notably in the secondary.
Cornerback Christian Benford has been limited this week with a toe injury. That could open a window for Drake Maye and the Patriots’ passing attack to find some rhythm, especially if they can buy the rookie QB enough time in the pocket.
Bottom Line
This Week 15 clash isn’t just another game-it’s a potential turning point for the Patriots’ season. A win clinches the division and sends a message that this team is ready to return to contender status. But to get there, they’ll need to overcome a wave of injuries, especially in the trenches.
It’s going to take a full-team effort, smart coaching, and a little bit of grit. The kind of game where unsung heroes-like Tonga-could end up being the difference.