The AFC East is effectively on the line between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots this week. A Patriots win clinches their first division title since 2019, snapping Buffalo’s five-year stretch of first-place finishes. A Bills win all but assures a spot in the postseason, and opens the door for a chaotic scenario for Buffalo to steal back the division lead.
That broad perspective on the game with two quarterbacks at the top of the MVP race squaring off creates a classic shootout matchup.
Last time out against Drake Maye and this rejuvenated New England squad, the Patriots took a 20-10 lead at halftime. Allen led a comeback bid to tie the game at 20-20, but Maye had enough time to orchestrate a final drive that ended with the game-winning field goal.
Fireworks are sure to ensue this time around as well, which means the Bills need all hands on deck offensively. These four players must answer the call for Buffalo to walk away with its biggest conference win of the season yet.
The AFC East could swing on whether Buffalo Bills' offense shows up in full
Brandin Cooks
It’s game three for Cooks in Buffalo, who hasn’t done much statistically since his first snap with the team. He caught a 13-yard pass against Pittsburgh, but hasn’t received a target since.
The Bills need someone, anyone, at wide receiver to step up and become a reliable target. Cooks, 32, may be a bit long in the tooth, but he received some praise from head coach Sean McDermott and Josh Allen this week for what he brings to the team in terms of leadership. But now it's time to contribute with the ball in his hands.
Cooks still has some speed to burn, and a more productive performance against one of his former teams as the season winds to a close would not only help Buffalo come away with the win, but instill some much-needed confidence in the wide receiver corps as a whole.
Spencer Brown
Right tackle Spencer Brown announced on Wednesday that he’s back in the lineup after missing two games with a shoulder injury. While Alec Anderson and Ryan Van Demark performed admirably in his stead, having the hulking right tackle back in his usual spot is a huge addition to the offense.
Obviously, Brown being back out there provides more comfort on the edge, whether in opening rushing lanes for James Cook or in protecting Allen in the pocket. Still, Buffalo can’t afford for the big guy to take his time getting back up to speed. They’ll need him to hit the ground running in his return to the lineup.
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James Cook
Naturally, that brings us to James Cook. Cook had a strong showing in the snow last week, rushing for 80 yards on 18 carries and picking up another 31 on three receptions. However, the goalline fumble Buffalo was fortunate to survive still lingers in the minds of Bills fans.
The fumbles have begun to stack for Cook despite his eye-catching box stats each week. It goes without saying, ball control and avoiding turnovers is paramount in a matchup such as this.
Not only does Cook need to provide his usual production and then some, but he has to keep the ball high and tight, away from the turf if Buffalo is going to come away with the win.
Josh Allen
Usually, it’s probably not necessary to list Josh Allen. When he needs to step up, he does, and it works out well for Buffalo more often than not.
Coming off a six-interception stretch through the previous four games, Allen did a remarkable job protecting the football against Cincinnati last week despite the weather elements. He also provided the late-game heroics to ensure victory, leading scoring drives and making critical plays with his legs, too.
He’ll need to replicate that performance against New England, especially if Drake Maye rises to the occasion on the other side to make this game a true shootout. In that environment, Allen has the advantage, and Bills Mafia will be counting on him to deliver once again.