Patriots Pull Off Tight Upset Win Over Division Rival Bills

The New England Patriots came away with a tight 29-26 victory over the Buffalo Bills in a divisional clash.

The Patriots got off to a quick start, forcing a three-and-out by the Bills and capitalizing with a 12-play, 97-yard drive that culminated in Drake Maye finding Romeo Doubs for a 14-yard touchdown pass.

Buffalo responded as running back James Cook rushed for an eight-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.

Maye was sacked and fumbled on the following possession, but the Bills didn't take advantage. New England answered with a six-play, 63-yard drive, and Rhamondre Stevenson punched it in for a touchdown. Buffalo struck back as Josh Allen rushed for a two-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14.

The division rivals exchanged turnovers late in the second quarter: Khalil Shakir fumbled, and Maye threw an interception on a play where Doubs had possession but popped the ball up for an interception. Tyler Bass connected on a 27-yard field goal before the half to give the Bills a 17-14 lead. 

The Patriots had a strong start to the second half, with Maye connecting with Doubs for a two-yard touchdown. Buffalo and New England combined for four straight punts before Bass hit a 38-yard field goal, cutting the Patriots' lead to 21-20.

The Bills took the lead on their next drive after a New England punt, as Allen found Keon Coleman for a 34-yard touchdown. They failed their two-point conversion, but took a 26-21 lead.

Maye and the Patriots then drove downfield to take the lead. Maye was efficient on the drive, completing chunk plays to Hunter Henry, Doubs, and Efton Chism III.

Chism hauled in a 19-yard catch earlier in the drive before Maye found him for a 23-yard touchdown. It was only the second touchdown catch of his career, but it came in a big moment.

Maye then found Stevenson to convert the two-point conversion and take a 29-26 lead. However, the Bills still had almost two minutes to march down the field to tie or win.

Allen took a shot downfield to Josh Palmer, but Craig Woodson picked it off. Buffalo still had all three timeouts, but Maye's 12-yard completion to Henry for a first down clinched the win.

This is a major win for the Patriots, as the Bills have been one of the best teams in the league through the first weeks. Maye and New England will look to build on the win and become contenders in the AFC once again.