Bills vs. Patriots: How to Watch, Stream & Key Storylines

The AFC East Showdown: Bills vs. Patriots

The NFL's Week 15 delivers a massive AFC East clash as the Buffalo Bills (9-4) travel to face the New England Patriots (11-2) at Gillette Stadium. This rematch of a Week 5 Patriots victory carries massive implications: a New England win would clinch the AFC East division title, while Buffalo aims to avoid a season sweep and extend its five-year run of avoiding divisional sweeps.

How to Watch Bills vs. Patriots

TV: The game airs on CBS (1 p.m. ET) with Ian Eagle on play-by-play, JJ Watt providing color analysis, and Evan Washburn on the sidelines. Buffalo fans can find the broadcast on WIVB Channel 4.

Streaming: In-market viewers can watch live on NFL+ via mobile devices. Out-of-market fans can access the game through NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Paramount+ will also carry local and featured national games.

Radio: Catch the action on the Bills Radio Network with Chris Brown (play-by-play), Eric Wood (color analyst), and Sal Capaccio (sideline reporter). Flagship stations include WGR Sports Radio 550 in Buffalo and a network covering New York and Pennsylvania.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Division Implications: The Patriots can secure their first AFC East title since 2021 with a victory. Buffalo, meanwhile, hopes to maintain its five-year streak of not being swept by division opponents.

2. Quarterback Duel: Josh Allen and Drake Maye headline this matchup. Allen, fresh off being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week, faces a Patriots defense that held him in check in Week 5. Maye, in his rookie season, has shown remarkable dual-threat ability, rushing for 32 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter alone during this matchup.

3. Offensive Line Battle: New England welcomes back rookie guard Jared Wilson, who practiced fully this week. His return is crucial for protecting Maye and establishing the run game against Buffalo's defensive front.

4. Momentum Shift: Buffalo enters on a two-game win streak (road win over Pittsburgh, home victory over Cincinnati), while New England looks to capitalize on home-field advantage in their first matchup of 2025.

"The Bills haven't been swept by a division opponent during their run of five straight AFC East titles. The New England Patriots can change that."
— Democrat and Chronicle

Historical Context & Next Steps

This rematch follows New England's 23-20 Week 5 upset in Orchard Park, where the Patriots overcame a 17-3 halftime deficit. The Bills are seeking redemption and to even their regular-season series at 1-1. For the Patriots, a victory would not only secure the division but also solidify their status as serious contenders in the AFC playoff race.

As the AFC East race intensifies, all eyes will be on Gillette Stadium for what promises to be a pivotal contest with playoff implications on the line.