New England Patriots
The Patriots have a chance to clinch the AFC East for the first time since 2019.
FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots have a chance to clinch its first AFC East title since 2019 on Sunday afternoon.
In arguably the most anticipated game in Foxborough in the post-Brady era, the Patriots (11-2) will play host to the Buffalo Bills (9-4) in a clash of divisional foes.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Gillette Stadium. You can watch the game on CBS, as well as listen on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
The Patriots are well-rested coming off of a bye week, and are looking to make it 11 wins in a row amid snowy conditions at Gillette.
But the Patriots will face a tough test against the Bills, who are once again led by reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen. The Bills are looking to dole out some revenge after New England went into Highmark Stadium and beat Buffalo in a primetime matchup in Week 5.
As the Patriots try to clinch a division crown, follow along here for live updates from Sunday’s game, and check back once the game wraps for some early observations.
LIVE UPDATES
2:45: Not the best start to the third quarter for New England. After Buffalo scores, New England goes 3-and-out — with Maye sacked on third down.
New England’s defense needs a stop to settle things down.
2:38: Patriots have some breathing room, but that can change in a hurry agianst Josh Allen.
He gains 20 off a 3rd and 3 QB Draw — and now Allen hits Knox for a TD to open the third quarter.
It’s a 24-14 Patriots lead with 11:29 left in the third.
Let’s see how New England responds.
2:34: More favorable starting position for Ray Davis as he reels off a 58-yard kickoff return.
Allen and Co. starting at the 44.
2:20: Borregales hits a 36-yard field goal as time expires.
New England has a 24-7 lead going into the half.
New England will need to be dialed in on defense to open the second half, but
2:18: Maye takes a huge hit from Rousseau on that heave down the field. He shakes it off.
2:09: Bills Touchdown.
Buffalo has some life after Josh Allen hits James Cook in the red zone with a 5-yard TD pass. A brutal facemask penalty on Schooler in the kickoff looms large on that play.
Maye and Co. have 1:56 and two timeouts to answer before the half.
Allen and Co. have the ball to start the third.
2:07: Travis Scott is here and Gillette Stadium is losing it.
1:56: There goes TreVeyon Henderson. He reels off a 52-yard touchdown in a flash.
It’s 21-0 Patriots. This has been a beatdown.
1:55: Great throw from Drake Maye to Mack Hollins goes for 18 yards over the middle.
1:50: Fullback Khyiris Tonga is back.
1:44: Harold Landry joins in on the fun and takes down Allen. New England’s defense is dialed in.
Bills punting once again.
1:42: Carlton Davis needs to make that tackle on Allen. He shakes it off and gains 3 yards on the ground.
1:39: End First: Patriots lead the Bills, 14-0.
An MVP-level performance from Maye has the Patriots up early.
New England’s defense is also doing its part to slow down Allen and the Bills.
1:35: TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS.
Drake Maye uses his legs again to score his second rushing TD of the first quarter.
It’s 14-0 Patriots in the first quarter.
Patriots in complete control here.
1:32: Don’t know how Drake Maye wasn’t sacked there. Instead, he scrambles for 17 yards.
1:28: Patriots dial up the blitz and Jack Gibbens takes down Allen on third down.
Bills punt again.
New England’s offense starting on the 50-yard line.
1:23: Maye can’t hit Hollins on a 3rd and 1, and New England punts it away.
1:16: A strong start for the Patriots defense, as Allen overshoots a throw to Kincaid with Gonzalez in coverage. Bills are punting.
1:15: Robert Spillane is active, but he’s not starting this defensive series.
1:14: Brandin Cooks appears to reel in a 30-yard catch from Allen, but it’s ruled incomplete after video review.
1:13: Nice return for Davis has Allen and the Bills starting at the 49-yard line.
1:08: TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS. Maye takes it himself and runs it in from 8 yards out and the Patriots have the early lead. Borregales hits the XP.
It’s 7-0 Patriots just 4:39 into the game.
1:07: What a catch from Boutte. He reels in a catch in for 30 yards off a 3rd and 7.
1:04: Stvenson opens the game with a 15-yard gain. Nearly broke away for a larger gain.
1:02: Bills win the coin toss and defer. Maye and the Patriots are up first.
12:52: Lawyer Milloy is today’s “Keeper of the Light” at Gillette Stadium.
12:40: Stef Diggs fires his teammates up:
12:24: Jared Wilson back at left guard today. Vederian Lowe slotted in at left tackle once again.
12:20: Warmups are underway:
11:33: No Christian Benford today for Buffalo. That’s a major loss for the Bills, as Benford has been arguably their best defensive player in recent weeks.
11:30: No major surprises for the Patriots’ inactives.
Robert Spillane was questionable with a foot injury, but is good to go. Jared Wilson is also cleared from his ankle injury.
11:15: Will Campbell is all of New England these days:
11:10: Mack Hollins arrives at Gillette on brand:
11:00: Greetings from Gillette Stadium! Big one here today:
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