Bills vs. Patriots Preview: Buffalo Seeks Revenge with Playoffs on Line

Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Week 17 Preview: AFC East Division Battle

The Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The AFC East division matchup is highlighted by two teams headed in different directions.

The Bills are fighting for a spot in the postseason while the Patriots are already eliminated from playoffs with an eye on the 2024 NFL Draft.

After three straight wins, the Bills are one victory and some help away from their fifth straight postseason appearance. Historically, Buffalo gets hot to end the season. Since 2020, the Bills have the best record in the league in December/January regular season games at an impressive 17-2.

However, the Bills can't overlook the Patriots, who pulled off the upset in the first meeting between these two teams. New England beat Buffalo, 29-25, at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 22 and will be looking for a series sweep of the Bills for the first time since the 2019 season.

Buffalo looks to get after quarterback Bailey Zappe, who is fresh off this best performance as a pro in the Patriots' 26-23 victory over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve. Zappe finished the game going 25 of 33 for 256 yards with the two third-quarter touchdowns.

Quarterback Josh Allen looks to keep the positive momentum. Allen has a touchdown pass in 23 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. The Patriots also face the challenge of slowing James Cook, who currently ranks third in the league with 1,038 rushing yards. 

© Katie Stratman, USA TODAY

FUN FACT: The Bills have a +262 point differential in division games since 2020, which is the best in the NFL. 

RECORDS: New England Patriots (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (9-6)

ODDS: Buffalo is a 11.5-point favorite vs. the Patriots

GAME TIME: Sunday, Dec. 31st, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Highmark Stadium - Orchard Park, NY

TV/RADIO: CBS, 98.5 FM THE SPORTS HUB

THE FINAL WORD: Receiver Gabe Davis on the home stretch of the season:

"We're starting to figure out our identity and [are] playing some good football," Davis said. "This was a great game against a great team. We know they were going to come out and fight hard, and that's what they did."