The Patriots rebuilt quickly. They’d collapsed under the immense weight of owner Robert Kraft’s and Belichick’s expectations and too few victories to bolster them. Kraft last year replaced Belichick with former Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, and the club continued to crater.

For two decades, the Patriots ruled the AFC East, winning 11 straight titles from 2009-19 while the Bills endured a 17-year playoff drought. That changed after Tom Brady and Bill Belichick left, as Buffalo claimed five consecutive division crowns.

Josh Allen broke the NFL's all-time rushing touchdown record for a quarterback, tallying his 76th career rushing score in the win, but it was his constant interaction with Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward that got the most attention both during and after the game.

Dave Portnoy is a lightning rod for controversy, but the founder and owner of Barstool Sports is also skilled at going viral. That was the case again on Sunday as the proud New England Patriots fan posted a video celebrating the return of the dynasty when the Pats went up 21-0 against the Buffalo Bills.

The Patriots were chirping at halftime, but the Bills shut them up in the second half. Here are Sal Maiorana's primary takeaways from the 35-31 victory.

The Bills and Patriots meet in a huge AFC East battle. Stay here all day for live updates throughout the game.

NFL analyst Rob Gronkowski picks the Patriots to beat the Bills and win the AFC, even though New England has only two wins over teams with a winning record.

After the Pro Football Hall of Fame named Belichick, 73, and Kraft, 84, as finalists in the 2026 Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday, Dec. 3, the former Patriots head coach issued a statement thanking the committee and his fellow honorees, including Kraft.