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The Buffalo Bills (9–4) travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts this afternoon for a crucial Week 15 showdown against the New England Patriots (11–2). This matchup carries massive AFC East implications, as Buffalo must win to keep its hopes of claiming a sixth straight division title alive.
Before kickoff, it’s worth revisiting the long and dramatic history between these two franchises. From decades of dominance swings to unforgettable comebacks, the Bills vs. Patriots rivalry remains one of the NFL’s most compelling.
Franchise Comparison: Bills vs. Patriots
| Category | Buffalo Bills | New England Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Year Formed | 1960 | 1960 |
| Overall Record | 495-509-8 | 556-448-9 |
| Playoff Record | 21-22 | 37-22 |
| Super Bowls | 0 (4 appearances) | 6 (11 appearances) |
| Championships | 2 AFL titles | 6 |
| Hall of Famers | 12 | 11 |
Bills vs. Patriots Series History
Sunday’s contest marks the 133rd all-time meeting between the Bills and Patriots. New England currently leads the series 80-51-1, reflecting long stretches of control over the rivalry.
After Buffalo won the first two matchups, the Patriots claimed 14 of the next 21 games. However, the Bills flipped the script in the early 1970s, winning nine straight from 1971 through 1975. The pendulum swung again late in the decade, as New England captured six of eight games.
The 1980s opened with promise for Buffalo, but from 1983 to 1987 the Patriots rattled off 11 consecutive victories. That streak ended in 1988, when the Bills began a dominant stretch, winning 11 of 13 games during their run to four straight Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.
The Tom Brady Era: A Difficult Chapter for Buffalo
When Tom Brady took over in New England, the rivalry tilted heavily in the Patriots’ favor. From November 2001 through December 2019, New England won 34 of 38 meetings, turning the Bills vs. Patriots matchup into one of the league’s most lopsided rivalries.
However, Buffalo finally began to reclaim its footing with the arrival of quarterback Josh Allen.
Josh Allen Changes the Narrative
Since November 2020, the Bills have won eight of the last 12 games against New England. That run includes a historic 47-17 playoff victory during Super Wild Card Weekend in the 2021 season.
In that game, Allen delivered one of the greatest postseason performances in NFL history. He threw five touchdown passes and led Buffalo to touchdowns on all seven non-kneeldown drives, making the Bills the first team in the Super Bowl era to score on every meaningful possession in a playoff game.
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Last Meeting: Patriots Steal One in Buffalo
The most recent clash came in Week 5 at Highmark Stadium on Sunday Night Football. Despite entering the game undefeated, Buffalo fell 23-20 after committing three costly turnovers.
Former Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs torched his old team with 10 catches for 146 yards. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson added two rushing touchdowns, while rookie quarterback Drake Maye impressed with a mistake-free performance, throwing for 273 yards.
The Patriots sealed the win on a 52-yard field goal by Andy Borregales with just 15 seconds remaining.
Although Josh Allen threw two touchdowns, a red-zone interception and two lost fumbles proved decisive, snapping Buffalo’s 14-game home winning streak.
A Memorable Moment: The 2011 Comeback in Buffalo
One of the most iconic moments in Bills vs. Patriots history came in Week 3 of the 2011 season. Buffalo had lost 15 straight games to New England and trailed 21-0 in the second quarter.
Yet quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick sparked a stunning comeback. He threw for 369 yards and two touchdowns as the Bills rallied to a dramatic 34-31 victory on a last-second field goal by Rian Lindell.
The game featured interceptions by George Wilson and a memorable pick-six by Marcell Dareus. According to Stats LLC, Buffalo became the first team since 1950 to rally from an 18-point deficit and win in back-to-back weeks.
The atmosphere at Ralph Wilson Stadium that day became known as “Fandemonium.”
Players Who Played for Both Teams
A total of 90 players have appeared in games for both franchises. Notable names include:
- Drew Bledsoe – Patriots (1993-2001), Bills (2002-04)
- Lawyer Milloy – Patriots (1996-2002), Bills (2003-05)
- Fred Smerlas – Bills (1979-89), Patriots (1991-92)
- Antowain Smith – Bills (1997-2000), Patriots (2001-03)
With playoff stakes rising and history on the line, this Week 15 Bills vs. Patriots matchup is far more than another divisional game. It’s the latest chapter in a rivalry defined by dominance shifts, unforgettable moments, and franchise-altering performances.
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