when measuring the stick of these games to the likes of schedules we can see issues like:
the 3 uncommon games between NE* and Buffalo:
Buf: Texans, Chiefs, Eagles: 22-17
NE*: Titans, Raiders, Giants: 6-33
Of those the Patriots lost to the Steelers and the Giants - their record combined...
Patriots losses: 9-17: 34% win rate
Bills: 29-23 44% win rate
The Bills strength of victory over better teams was also better - but i do not have the numbers in front of me. this was discussed on NFL Radio on sirius. the bills at the time of the the matchup have played tougher opponents with better records. somehow that matters (though, personally i don't think it does as much).