Patriots look to CLINCH AFC East vs. Bills

·56 min·5 clips

The Patriots face their biggest game since Tom Brady to clinch the AFC East against the Bills.

The episode begins with hosts Brian Hines and Alex Barth introducing the Patriots' crucial Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills, which offers a chance to clinch the AFC East. They argue this is the biggest Patriots game since Tom Brady left, emphasizing real stakes for a team with upside. The hosts discuss how winning the division by beating the Bills directly is preferable to backing in, citing emotional boosts and playoff flexibility. Analysis shifts to offensive strategy, focusing on Drake Maye's performance against Bills blitzes and the potential impact of cornerback Christian Benford's injury on covering Stephon Diggs. They explore the Patriots' running game, noting the return of healthy backs like Rhamondre Stevenson and Treyvon Henderson against the Bills' poor run defense. Defensive talk centers on stopping Josh Allen and James Cook, with concerns about injuries to Harold Landry and Robert Spillane. Special teams are highlighted as a potential decider, given past big plays in Patriots-Bills games. The hosts then promote PrizePicks, making a six-pick lineup including Drake Maye and Stephon Diggs. The episode wraps with college football discussion, covering Lane Kiffin's move to LSU, Sherrone Moore's firing at Michigan, and the College Football Playoff bracket selections, including debates over Notre Dame's exclusion and playoff format issues.

As heard by us

A Patriots-Bills preview centered on division stakes, Josh Allen's improvisation, and James Cook's run game.

Patriots Beat keeps the New England Patriots' AFC East stakes front and center, with a Sunday win over Buffalo enough to clinch the division for the first time since 2019.

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Why you'd press play

You want to know whether New England can clinch the AFC East with the Bills coming to town.

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