Since falling to the Steelers back on Sept. 21, the Patriots have flipped the switch in a big way. Ten straight wins later, they sit atop the AFC standings and look every bit like a team built for a deep postseason run. But now, just as the playoff picture starts to crystallize around the league, New England hits the brakes - courtesy of a Week 14 bye.
It’s a rare and somewhat awkward pause in momentum for a team firing on all cylinders. But don’t expect head coach Mike Vrabel to let this group lose focus.
His message heading into the bye week? Stay sharp, stay hungry.
“We’re not done. We’re not satisfied,” Vrabel said.
“I think champions are never satisfied. I think you can appreciate where you are, but at the same time, never be satisfied or complacent.”
That mindset has been the engine behind New England’s resurgence. It’s not just about stacking wins - it’s about building toward something bigger. And with a critical divisional matchup looming on the other side of the break, the timing of this bye week could be a blessing in disguise.
Let’s break down what’s ahead for the Patriots - and how fans can catch every snap.
When Do the Patriots Play Next?
- Matchup: Patriots vs. Bills
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 14
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV: WBZ-TV (CBS Boston)
- Streaming: Paramount+
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Patriots return to action on Sunday, Dec. 14, hosting division rival Buffalo in a game that could carry major implications for the AFC East race. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
ET, with coverage on WBZ-TV locally and national streaming available through Paramount+. For fans tuning in early, WBZ’s pregame show begins at 11:30 a.m.
ET, followed by CBS’ national pregame coverage from noon to kickoff.
On the radio side, 98.5 The Sports Hub will carry the local broadcast, giving fans another way to follow along.
What’s Ahead: Patriots Remaining 2025 Schedule
Here’s how the final stretch looks for New England:
- Week 14: BYE
- Week 15 (Dec. 14): vs.
Bills - 1 p.m. ET
- Week 16 (Dec. 21): at Ravens - 1 p.m. ET
- Week 17 (Dec. 28): at Jets - 1 p.m. ET
- Week 18 (TBD): vs. Dolphins - Time TBD
Three of the final four games are against division opponents, and two of them come on the road. That’s a tough slate, but it also gives the Patriots a chance to control their own destiny in the AFC East. If they keep playing the way they have over the last two and a half months, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.
Buffalo’s Path: Bills Remaining 2025 Schedule
The Bills, meanwhile, are still in the thick of the playoff hunt themselves. Here’s what their closing schedule looks like:
- Week 14 (Dec. 7): vs. Bengals - 1 p.m.
ET
- Week 15 (Dec. 14): at Patriots - 1 p.m.
ET
- Week 16 (Dec. 21): at Browns - 1 p.m.
ET
- Week 17 (Dec. 28): vs.
Eagles - 4:25 p.m. ET
- Week 18 (TBD): vs. Jets - Time TBD
Buffalo’s road to the playoffs won’t be easy. They face a physical Bengals team this week, then head straight into Foxborough the following Sunday. With games against the Browns and Eagles still to come, the Bills will need to bring their A-game down the stretch.
AFC East Standings (Through Week 13)
The division is still very much in play, and every game from here on out matters. With the Patriots surging and the Bills fighting to keep pace, that Dec. 14 matchup could be a turning point in the AFC East race.
Bottom Line: The Patriots have earned their spot at the top of the conference, but the job’s far from finished. With a bye week to rest and refocus, and a heavyweight divisional battle waiting on the other side, New England’s next chapter is about to begin.