Bills battling Patriots for division In familiar plot

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WHEC) — This isn’t the first time the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots have fought each other late in the season for the division lead.

In week 16 of 2019, Sean McDermott’s squad fell 24-17 with a chance to tie. Buffalo would end up clinching a wild card berth before losing to the Houston Texans in the opening round of the playoffs. Back in week 14 of 2002, they were tied with the Miami Dolphins for second place when going up against the division-leading Patriots. They’d fall 27-17 and wind up finishing last in the AFC East.

However, that’s in the past and hardly a thought on the minds of the guys suiting up at One Bills Drive.

“You hope that you’re in positions like this,” QB Josh Allen said. “Late in the season, playing for meaningful games, that’s really all you can ask for, to be in this opportunity. Now, it’s Monday night. We understand what the deal is and we got to go out there and try to win a football game.”

“Can’t wait to feel that energy,” Offensive Lineman Dion Dawkins said. “I’ve never experienced it. We’ve had packed out games but it just seems like every time we play the Patriots, the fans are just a little more like excited so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

It will be Buffalo’s fourth prime time game of the year.