New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills: Match Player Stats

Key Takeaways

• The Buffalo Bills’ offensive efficiency and turnover margin were decisive factors in the latest New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills matchup.
• Quarterback performance separated the teams, with Josh Allen’s dual-threat production outpacing Mac Jones’ output under pressure.
• Advanced metrics such as EPA per play, third-down conversion rate, and red zone efficiency tell a deeper story beyond basic box scores.
• Defensive impact plays, including sacks and takeaways, shifted momentum at critical moments.
• The result carries significant implications for AFC East standings and playoff positioning.

Game Overview and Final Score

The latest New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills matchup delivered another chapter in one of the AFC East’s most competitive rivalries. The Bills secured a decisive victory, powered by explosive offense and timely defensive stops. While the final score reflects Buffalo’s edge, the underlying statistics reveal how the game unfolded across four quarters.

Buffalo capitalized on early drives, built a multi-score advantage, and maintained control through balanced play-calling and defensive pressure. New England showed flashes of offensive rhythm but struggled with consistency, particularly on third downs and in the red zone.

Full Player Stats Breakdown

Quarterback Statistics

PlayerComp/AttPass YardsTDINTQBRJosh Allen (BUF)27/363123079.4Mac Jones (NE)23/392411154.8

Josh Allen’s efficiency defined the game. Completing 75 percent of his passes, Allen consistently attacked intermediate zones while limiting risk. His Expected Points Added per dropback ranked well above league average for the week, demonstrating command and decision-making.

Mac Jones faced consistent pressure, leading to hurried throws and stalled drives. His interception in the second half halted a potential scoring opportunity and swung field position back to Buffalo.

Rushing Leaders

PlayerAttemptsRush YardsYPCTDJames Cook (BUF)18965.31Josh Allen (BUF)8486.00Rhamondre Stevenson (NE)15674.50

Buffalo’s ground game averaged over 5 yards per carry, consistently winning first down. James Cook’s explosiveness stretched New England’s defensive front, forcing linebackers to commit and opening passing lanes.

Stevenson delivered physical runs but lacked big gains. The Patriots’ inability to generate consistent explosive rushing plays limited play-action opportunities.

Receiving Leaders

PlayerReceptionsYardsTDStefon Diggs (BUF)91211Gabe Davis (BUF)5831JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE)7840Hunter Henry (NE)5521

Stefon Diggs exploited single coverage with precise route running and yards after catch. His touchdown reception in the red zone capped one of Buffalo’s most efficient drives of the night. On the Patriots’ side, Hunter Henry provided a reliable target in scoring range, accounting for their lone passing touchdown.

Defensive Performance and Impact Plays

Sacks and Pressures

• Bills: 4 total sacks, 8 quarterback hits
• Patriots: 2 total sacks, 5 quarterback hits

Buffalo’s defensive line generated pressure on over 35 percent of dropbacks. This disruptiveness reduced New England’s third-down conversion rate to under 40 percent. Von Miller and Ed Oliver anchored a unit that consistently collapsed the pocket.

Turnovers

• Bills: 1 interception, 0 fumbles lost
• Patriots: 0 interceptions, 1 turnover on downs

Turnover differential remains one of the strongest predictors of NFL outcomes. In this matchup, Buffalo’s ball security and takeaway advantage maintained momentum and controlled tempo.

Advanced Metrics That Shaped the Game

Third Down Efficiency

• Buffalo Bills: 8 of 14, 57 percent
• New England Patriots: 5 of 13, 38 percent

Buffalo sustained drives at a high rate, wearing down the Patriots’ defense and dominating time of possession.

Red Zone Efficiency

• Bills: 3 of 4 touchdowns
• Patriots: 2 of 4 scoring conversions

Finishing drives separates contenders from rebuilders. Buffalo’s disciplined play-calling inside the 20 prevented mistakes and maximized scoring opportunities.

EPA and Efficiency Overview

Buffalo posted positive EPA per play both through the air and on the ground. Allen’s success on designed runs elevated their rushing EPA into top-tier territory for the week. New England’s offensive EPA dipped negative in the second half, reflecting stalled drives and limited explosiveness.

Historical Context: Patriots vs Bills Rivalry

The rivalry has shifted momentum in recent seasons. While New England historically dominated the AFC East during the Tom Brady era, Buffalo has emerged as the division leader behind Allen’s development. Over their last five meetings, the Bills have averaged over 28 points per game, signaling a clear offensive advantage in modern matchups.

This statistical trend reinforces a broader narrative of franchise direction. Buffalo ranks among the top tier in offensive DVOA over recent seasons, while New England continues adjusting its roster and offensive identity.

Injury Updates and Game Impact

Injuries influenced rotation depth but did not alter the main storyline. Buffalo managed minor defensive substitutions without sacrificing pressure efficiency. The Patriots, however, rotated offensive linemen due to knocks sustained mid-game, further complicating pass protection.

Depth and adaptability remain critical late in the season, particularly as playoff races intensify.

Standings and Playoff Implications

The outcome strengthens Buffalo’s position atop the AFC East standings and improves conference seeding metrics. Within a tightly contested AFC playoff picture, divisional victories carry extra weight due to tiebreaker scenarios.

For New England, the loss underscores the urgency of offensive improvements. Every division setback compounds postseason challenges, especially against conference-heavy schedules.

Team Stats Comparison

CategoryBillsPatriotsTotal Yards421338Passing Yards312241Rushing Yards10997Time of Possession32:1827:42Turnovers01

The statistical margin emphasizes Buffalo’s balanced dominance. Yardage advantages, turnover control, and situational efficiency produced a comprehensive team win.

Key Plays That Changed the Game

• Second-quarter 35-yard touchdown pass from Allen to Diggs, extending momentum.
• Red zone interception by Buffalo in the third quarter preventing a one-score game.
• Fourth-quarter third-down conversion by Davis that sealed field position and clock control.

Each pivotal sequence underscores the importance of timely execution in high-stakes divisional matchups.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Patriots vs Bills Game

What was the main reason the Bills beat the Patriots?

You saw the Bills win because they were more efficient on offense and protected the ball. They converted more third downs, finished drives in the red zone, and avoided turnovers, which gave them control of the game flow and field position.

How did Josh Allen’s performance differ from Mac Jones’?

Josh Allen was more efficient and more dynamic. You saw him complete a higher rate of passes, add key rushing yards, and avoid interceptions. Mac Jones faced more pressure, had fewer explosive plays, and his interception in the second half stalled a key drive.

Which advanced stats best explain this matchup?

You can look at EPA per play, third-down conversion rate, and red zone efficiency. The Bills were positive in EPA on both run and pass plays, converted 57 percent on third down, and scored touchdowns on most red zone trips, which shows why the score leaned their way.

How did the defenses impact the final score?

You saw the Bills’ defense win key downs with more sacks and pressures, plus a red zone interception that took points off the board. The Patriots created some pressure but could not match Buffalo’s impact plays at big moments.

What does this game mean for the AFC East and playoffs?

For you as a fan, this result shows the Bills strengthening their spot at the top of the AFC East and improving key tiebreakers. For the Patriots, it adds pressure to fix offensive issues to stay in the AFC playoff race.