Patriots Can Clinch AFC East With Win in Buffalo This Week

Overview

• New England secures the division with a Sunday victory over the Bills, positioning the franchise for its first playoff return since 2021.
• Rookie LT Will Campbell remains on IR until at least Week 18 and DT Milton Williams until Week 17, while Khyiris Tonga, Jared Wilson and Brenden Schooler returned to practice after the bye.
• Recent defensive slide against the run includes the league’s worst success rate over the past four games and an increase of roughly 1.3 yards allowed per carry compared with the first nine contests, coinciding with interior-line injuries.
• The offense’s red‑zone touchdown rate sits near the bottom of the league at about 51%, and the defense has allowed touchdowns on 73% of opponent red‑zone trips.
• Vrabel was 6‑0 after byes with the Titans, and Drake Maye’s strong EPA against Cover 3, Cover 4, Cover 6 and Cover 2 Man aligns with Buffalo’s frequent coverage looks.