12/14/2025 GAMEDAY Bills at Patriots 1:00pm Gameday Thread AFCE Battle

[Mailman]

10 minutes ago, Nihilarian said:

The Patriots were 4-13 last year, and media types couldn't stop talking about how good Drake Maye looked on a bad team with a very bad offensive line. This year's Pats Coaching staff underwent a major overhaul, with a solid ex-Patriot player and ex-Tennessee HC who led his Titans to the playoffs a few years ago in Mike Vrabel. 

 

While the new HC has brought stability to the team with a solid culture to boot. The Biggest upgrades have been ex-NFL HC, now OC, Josh McDaniels, who was also Tom Brady's OC for a lot of those SB seasons. Their DC looks to be pretty solid, also. The problem with the Titans under Vrabel was the QB position with Ryan Tannehill, who was an ex-Dolphin and a middling QB.  

 

New England QB Drake Maye looks to be the real deal and could be a top NFL QB. It doesn't help Buffalo with all the injuries, along with their best CB being limited this week.

 

Still nervous...

Are we still talking about the legendary Drake Maye?  The one who still doesn't have a 300 yard passing game, with almost 2 years in the league? 

[Chaos]

10 minutes ago, D. L. Hot-Flamethrower said:

Disagree that Bills have more pressure

The Patriots have already exceeded expectations.  Even if they lose, they control their destiny to win the division.  No NE Fan considers Vrabel's seat warm.  On the other hand, a Bills loss will amplify the calls for making changes.  Basically a total disaster for the Bills to lose.  If they don't play like the more desparate team it will be very disappointing. 

Edited 8 hours ago by Chaos

[IYKYK]

Just now, Chaos said:

The Patriots have already exceeded expectations.  Even if they lose, they control their destiny to win the division.  No NE Fan considers Vrabel's seat warm.  On the other hand, a Bills loss will amplify the calls for making changes.  Basically a total disaster for the Bills to loose.  If they don't play like the more desparate team it will be very disappointing. 

I wouldn’t call it a total disaster. That’s a bit much. It would be disappointing, for sure. Just like any loss.

[VW82]

We can surely do without Benard and Palmer for another week but it's pins and needles waiting for the Benford update. 

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

Just now, Chaos said:

The Patriots have already exceeded expectations.  Even if they lose, they control their destiny to win the division.  No NE Fan considers Vrabel's seat warm.  On the other hand, a Bills loss will amplify the calls for making changes.  Basically a total disaster for the Bills to loose.  If they don't play like the more desparate team it will be very disappointing. 

Will have to agree to disagree about that. Bills are likely a WC team and are almost playing with house money today. Pats lose and the doubts about schedule will continue right into the playoffs.

[MikePJ76]

2 minutes ago, Chaos said:

The Patriots have already exceeded expectations.  Even if they lose, they control their destiny to win the division.  No NE Fan considers Vrabel's seat warm.  On the other hand, a Bills loss will amplify the calls for making changes.  Basically a total disaster for the Bills to loose.  If they don't play like the more desparate team it will be very disappointing. 

I disagree.  The bills are the 5 or 6 seed whether they win or lose today.  I don't really see the pats falling apart and losing the division even if they lose today.

 

I think there is going to be a third game with these two in january and that is the game where the pressure will be on Buffalo.  Thats the game they have to win and the pats are just happy to be there if you will.

[finn]

11 minutes ago, Nihilarian said:

The Patriots were 4-13 last year, and media types couldn't stop talking about how good Drake Maye looked on a bad team with a very bad offensive line. This year's Pats Coaching staff underwent a major overhaul, with a solid ex-Patriot player and ex-Tennessee HC who led his Titans to the playoffs a few years ago in Mike Vrabel. 

 

While the new HC has brought stability to the team with a solid culture to boot. The Biggest upgrades have been ex-NFL HC, now OC, Josh McDaniels, who was also Tom Brady's OC for a lot of those SB seasons. Their DC looks to be pretty solid, also. The problem with the Titans under Vrabel was the QB position with Ryan Tannehill, who was an ex-Dolphin and a middling QB.  

 

New England QB Drake Maye looks to be the real deal and could be a top NFL QB. It doesn't help Buffalo with all the injuries, along with their best CB being limited this week.

 

Still nervous...

If Bosa and Benford are out this week, that's the three best players (along with Oliver) missing on a defense that is average at best even with them. So, yeah, nerves are understandable, especially looking at their replacements. Maybe Bishop and Milano will step up; they've been quiet. Or maybe Hairston will have a breakout game. Otherwise, we're depending on a team effort, which isn't grasping at straws. I do think McDermott has it in him to scheme up a defense that will at least slow down this offense, maybe hold it to 25 points. That would put the ball in Brady's court, where I'm less confident, especially if his initial ideas don't work. The last line of defense is Allen, but the team has been asking a lot of him this year. Carrying this WR corps and his OC is a big burden even for him. 

 

Incidentally, has anyone else noticed how ubiquitous the Superman trope is now? Seems like it's automatic for everyone to talk about Allen "putting on his cape"--then not mentioning him as an MVP candidate. If the Superman of the league isn't MVP, who is?

[JakeFrommStateFarm]

Go Bills !!

[Chaos]

4 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

I disagree.  The bills are the 5 or 6 seed whether they win or lose today.  I don't really see the pats falling apart and losing the division even if they lose today.

 

I think there is going to be a third game with these two in january and that is the game where the pressure will be on Buffalo.  Thats the game they have to win and the pats are just happy to be there if you will.

Are you willing to wager, that TBD will not be filled with calls for Beane's and McDermott's head, and viritually nothing else, if the Bills lose today.  Or do you expect to see people rationalizing that its ok, because we are likely to be able participate in the playoffs as a Wild Card?  Or will we have more posts about how the Bills are better than the weak-ass schedule Patriots despite losing twice? 

[Kelly to Allen]

2 minutes ago, finn said:

If Bosa and Benford are out this week, that's the three best players (along with Oliver) missing on a defense that is average at best even with them. So, yeah, nerves are understandable, especially looking at their replacements. Maybe Bishop and Milano will step up; they've been quiet. Or maybe Hairston will have a breakout game. Otherwise, we're depending on a team effort, which isn't grasping at straws. I do think McDermott has it in him to scheme up a defense that will at least slow down this offense, maybe hold it to 25 points. That would put the ball in Brady's court, where I'm less confident, especially if his initial ideas don't work. The last line of defense is Allen, but the team has been asking a lot of him this year. Carrying this WR corps and his OC is a big burden even for him. 

 

Incidentally, has anyone else noticed how ubiquitous the Superman trope is now? Seems like it's automatic for everyone to talk about Allen "putting on his cape"--then not mentioning him as an MVP candidate. If the Superman of the league isn't MVP, who is?

 

Bosa isn't on the injury report....

[MikePJ76]

 

[Bongo]

1 hour ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Steady light snow all night. I'm about 80 miles north of Foxboro and we have 2" in NH. Supposed to be heavier south of Boston and will last until 2-2:30pm 

Where are you in NH, Promo? Used to live in NH myself for a few years.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

53 minutes ago, Tanoros said:

They also had the Bengals without Burrow and Chase. Might be the same team as us, but it’s a totally different game with those two. 
 

Next week they’ll get the Ravens who don’t look like the he did against us week 1 as well. With that being said, those 3 games are huge, when it comes down to a game or two difference for the division. 

 

Assuming the Pats win the division or at worse come in 2nd, next year likely Pats will have 1st or 2nd in AFC north at home and away for NFC west and AFC South plus away for Bears, Lions, Chiefs and Chargers and home for Denver  and Green Bay.  Bill have all them at home  and away for Denver and Green Bay.

[MJS]

Any practice squad call ups?

[BillsFan130]

Just now, MJS said:

Any practice squad call ups?

Dane Jackson. Not sure if there were others but he was called up for sure which isn't great for benford IMO

[finn]

12 minutes ago, Chaos said:

What is the top tier.  Because it does not include the 2025 Chiefs and 2025 Ravens? 

In no particular order: Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, Bills, Broncos, Eagles (maybe), Packers. Next I'd put Bengals (yes), Patriots, Texans, Lions, Bears, Chargers, Cowboys, Chiefs. 

 

By the way, I think the Chiefs are going to make the playoffs and make it to the divisional round. But that could be me expressing my worst fear to make it less likely that it will happen. 

[mjt328]

At the end of the day, the Bills could very likely win this game and it won't make any difference.  They will still likely lose the division and still make the playoffs as a wild card team.  The importance of this game is more in how the two teams perform.  What happens this afternoon will drive a lot of narratives going into the postseason.

 

The Bills played sloppy and unfocused last time against the Patriots.  After the last two weeks, there is some optimism rising they have turned the corner going into the home stretch.  This game will go a long way towards convincing fans they have found answers on run defense and in the pass game.  Or it could reinforce their inability to play consistent longer than a few games in a row.

 

Meanwhile, many are still skeptical of the Patriots (including me).  Beat the Bills again, and they will be seen as a legitimate contender.  Lose convincingly, and the fraud claims will only get louder.

[Chaos]

2 minutes ago, finn said:

If the Superman of the league isn't MVP, who is?

No rational person thinks anyone is more important to their team's success than Allen.  There really is not even a second person to discuss.  Put Matt Stafford on the Bills, and I don't think they make a super bowl run.  Put Allen on the Rams, and they would appear invincible. But that does not seem to be the standard for MVP voting.  Only twice in history 1967, Johnny Unitas (team record 11-1-2) and 2008 with Peyton Manning has the MVP come from a team that did not win its division. 

[finn]

5 minutes ago, Kelly to Allen said:

 

Bosa isn't on the injury report....

Oh, you made me so happy just now. Thank you! I thought he was out. 

 

Well, that's a horse of a different color! Especially with Campbell out. 

[MikePJ76]

2 minutes ago, Chaos said:

Are you willing to wager, that TBD will not be filled with calls for Beane's and McDermott's head, and viritually nothing else, if the Bills lose today.  Or do you expect to see people rationalizing that its ok, because we are likely to be able participate in the playoffs as a Wiln Card?  Or will we have more posts about how the Bills are better than the weak-ass schedule Patriots despite losing twice? 

I don't gamble so i am not wagering on anything.  What your saying is completely different than what you are implying about pressure.  What fans say means nothing.  If you listened to the post game show on wgr last week from the phone calls you would have thought the bills lost.   So fan opinions mean nothing, mine and yours included.

 

I haven't commented on the pats schedule, teams play who they are scheduled they have no control over it.  The pats are a good team anyone saying they are not has not been watching.

 

The pressure is waiting in the post season.  Its not there today for the bills staff.  I hope they win but this is not the end of the road if they lose.  It is a great warmup for how the playoffs are going to feel on the road however and in my opinion I think they will play the pats again, win or lose today.