4 Storylines To Know Ahead Of Week 15: Patch Patriots Roundup

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The biggest Patriots game in at least three years is happening at Gillette Stadium this Sunday.

The 11-2 Patriots will host the rival 9-4 Buffalo Bills in a game with heavy playoff implications.

Here are four storylines to know ahead of the game:

Division Title On The Line

If the Patriots come out victorious on Sunday, they are guaranteed to get hats and t-shirts. The team has a chance to win its first AFC East crown in six years. This scenario might bring about some Deja Vu back to 2019, as the last division championship was also won via a home victory against Josh Allen and the Bills. Tom Brady went 26/33 for 271 yards and a touchdown pass in what would be his final victory in a Patriots uniform. The Patriots led by seven points in the game’s final minute when cornerback J.C. Jackson broke up a Josh Allen pass in the endzone on fourth down. Pats Nation is hoping to see a similar outcome on Sunday afternoon.

Forecast Calls For Snow

According to the National Weather Service, snow is likely to fall over Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Drake Maye's cold-weather capabilities will legitimately be put to the test for the first time in his professional or collegiate career. Josh Allen is, unfortunately, no stranger to snow games, and typically plays well. Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen went 22/28 for 251 yards and three touchdown passes in the Buffalo snow flurries. The 2024 NFL MVP also rushed for a touchdown, which he scored from 40 yards out.

Patriots Are Underdogs?

The Patriots opened as and remain 1.5-point underdogs against the Bills this weekend on Fanduel Sportsbook. This has since gained traction as it has become a surprise to fans and media, as well as potential “bulletin board material” for the team.

Head Coach Mike Vrabel was asked about whether he and his team are aware that Vegas is rolling with the Bills. While Vrabel said all the right things, his response still suggested that he may be using it as extra motivation for his guys behind the scenes.

The Patriots were 8.5 underdogs against the Bills heading into their week five matchup in Buffalo, and went on to win 23-20. Since that Oct. 5 night, the Patriots have yet to lose while the Bills have gone 5-3 with some puzzling losses to the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans.

Jared Wilson

Rookie left guard Jared Wilson has no injury designation heading into week 15, which could be a great sign for the Patriots. Wilson suffered a high-ankle sprain during the week 12 victory at the Cincinnati Bengals and missed the last game against the Giants. The former Georgia Bulldog has been a full participant in practice since Wednesday and looks primed to return to the starting lineup on Sunday.

Rookie left tackle Will Campbell remains on injured reserve with an MCL sprain and first becomes eligible to return in week 18 in the regular season finale. Backups Vederian Lowe and Ben Brown did a solid job filling in for Campbell and Wilson respectively; however, fans are happy to see one piece of the left side of the line return.

How To Watch The Game

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Network: CBS

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub