How to watch the Patriots vs. Bills for free
In a pivotal December matchup between two division rivals, New England aims to retake the AFC East title from Buffalo.As they get ready to meet the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the New England Patriots are in uncharted terrain. As one-point underdogs in their own building, the team that ruled the AFC East for more than ten years suddenly faces a crucial divisional clash in an attempt to put an end to droughts that were unimaginable only a few years ago.
The Patriots haven't made it to the postseason in three years or won the division in five. Their 11-2 record this season puts them in a position to defeat the 9-4 Bills and put an end to both droughts. The game will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on DirecTV and FuboTV. The kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.both offering free trials for new subscribers.
The changing of the guard
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when New England winning the AFC East felt like an annual inevitability. The Patriots captured 11 straight division crowns from 2009 to 2019, establishing themselves as the NFL’s most dominant franchise during that stretch. The last time New England finished atop the division came in 2019, which also marked Tom Brady’s final season with the organization before his departure to Tampa Bay.
Since Brady left, Buffalo has seized control of the division, winning it in each of the last five seasons while reaching two AFC Championship games. The Bills have established themselves as the new power in the East, leaving the Patriots to rebuild and rediscover their identity. New England’s lone postseason appearance during this stretch came in 2021, ending with a wild-card loss to Tennessee.
Motivation meets momentum
The Patriots are coming off an incredible 10-game winning run, which included a victory against Buffalo earlier in the season. Oddsmakers positioned them as minor favorites to the visiting Bills despite this remarkable run, which gave a club already eager to regain their previous standing even more motivation.
Stefon Diggs, a receiver, accepted the position of underdog, pointing out that the squad is full of guys who were cut or did not have opportunities elsewhere. This season's comeback has been powered by their mutual resentment. Quarterback Drake Maye agreed, saying that regardless of what the betting lines indicate, being the underdog at home offers additional motivation.
The Patriots are coming off an incredible 10-game winning run, which included a victory against Buffalo earlier in the season. Oddsmakers positioned them as minor favorites to the visiting Bills despite this remarkable run, which gave a club already eager to regain their previous standing even more motivation.
Stefon Diggs, a receiver, accepted the position of underdog, pointing out that the squad is full of guys who were cut or did not have opportunities elsewhere. This season's comeback has been powered by their mutual resentment. Quarterback Drake Maye agreed, saying that regardless of what the betting lines indicate, being the underdog at home offers additional motivation.
The quarterback matchup
Comparisons between Maye and Bills quarterback Josh Allen were inevitable when New England drafted the rookie in 2024. Both stand over 6-foot-4, possess strong arms and can make plays with their mobility. However, coach Mike Vrabel prefers to appreciate each signal-caller individually, recognizing that Allen has reached a level of skill and acumen that Maye is still working to achieve.
Allen has elevated his game against elite competition this season, combining for nine passing touchdowns and eight rushing scores in victories over teams led by Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield and Joe Burrow. His ability to rise to the occasion in marquee matchups makes him particularly dangerous in a game of this magnitude.
Bills pursuing consistency
Buffalo has won three of its last four games as it looks to maintain its stranglehold on the division. Allen insists his preparation remains consistent regardless of the opponent, though his track record against top-tier competition speaks volumes. Coach Sean McDermott‘s squad features a defense that has created game-changing plays, including cornerback Christian Benford becoming the first Bills player to score on returns in consecutive games.
Health-related factors
The Patriots are improving their health at a perfect moment. After missing the Week 13 victory over the Giants due to an ankle injury, left guard Jared Wilson is expected to make a comeback. His presence would bolster an offensive line that would be responsible for shielding Maye from a Bills defense that had four sacks in their last encounter in Week 5.
With promotional rates available for new members on both DirecTV and FuboTV, fans can watch the action develop through a variety of streaming alternatives.
