The New England Patriots stunned the Buffalo Bills early in their Week 15 showdown, racing out to a dominant 21-0 lead in Foxborough. What was expected to be a tightly contested AFC East divisional rivalry game quickly became one-sided at the start of the second quarter.
As the Patriots imposed their will on both sides of the ball, former NFL All-Pro punter Pat McAfee summed up the mood of the fans after the Patriots’ explosive start.
New England Patriots Stun Buffalo Bills With Dominant 21–0 Start in Week 15
The Patriots wasted no time asserting control, opening the game with an impressive, tone-setting drive. A 15-yard run by Rhamondre Stevenson set the stage before Drake Maye connected with Kayshon Boutte for a diving 30-yard gain down the right sideline on third down.
Maye completed the drive himself, keeping the ball on an eight-yard run around the left edge to give the Patriots an early 7-0 lead.
The Bills’ response only compounded their problems. The Bills went three-and-out on their first possession, and while a replay assist later wiped out what was initially ruled a 35-yard Brandin Cooks catch, the Patriots continued to dictate terms.
Through the opening four possessions, New England ran the ball effectively and controlled the tempo, while Buffalo’s offense unraveled with self-inflicted mistakes.
He is absolutely GONEEE@TreVeyonH4 | #ProBowlVote
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/EeAHAgCUGr
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 14, 2025
The Bills managed just six offensive plays across two three-and-outs, undone by a Cooks drop, a Josh Allen overthrow on third down, a Joshua Palmer false start, and a sack immediately after the penalty.
Meanwhile, Maye, the second-year quarterback, marched New England down the field again, finishing the drive with a seven-yard rushing touchdown, his second on the ground. At that point, Maye was five-of-six passing for 62 yards, with three carries for 32 yards and two scores, as the Patriots extended their lead to 14-0.
New England delivered a bigger blow moments later. While backed up at their own six-yard line, the Patriots moved to midfield behind a tough catch over the middle from Mack Hollins. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson then burst through the line and outran multiple Bills defenders for a 52-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 21–0.
Pat McAfee And NFL Fans’ First Reaction to Bills vs Patriots
As the Patriots’ lead widened to 21-0, McAfee perfectly summed up the start with a strong reaction.
“Belt to a** in Foxborough,” McAfee posted. “The Patriots are a problem.” Several prominent NFL voices joined McAfee in sharing the sentiment as the Bills struggled to find answers.
BELT TO ASS IN FOXBORO @BostonConnr… THE PATRIOTS ARE A PROBLEMMMMM
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 14, 2025
Former linebacker Emmanuel Acho framed it as a defining game for the Patriots with quarterback Maye under center. “This is a statement game by the Patriots,” Acho wrote. “Also, the Bills’ defense is way too slow.”
This is a STATEMENT game by the Patriots!
Also, the Bills defense is way too slow.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 14, 2025
NFL insider Albert Breer highlighted the play that put Buffalo in serious trouble.
“TreVeyon Henderson to the house and Buffalo is deep water now,” Breer posted. “Patriots 21, Bills 0.”
TreVeyon Henderson to the house … and Buffalo is DEEP water now.
Patriots 21, Bills 0.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 14, 2025
Ex-Patriots linebacker Will Compton took a dig at critics who had downplayed the Patriots’ success this season. “The Patriots’ ‘weak schedule’ haters are sick watching this ass beating on the Buffalo Bills,” Compton wrote.
The Patriot “weak schedule” haters are sick watching this ass beating on the Buffalo Bills
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) December 14, 2025
According to PFSN’s NFL Playoff Predictor, the Bills remain one of the favorites to secure an AFC playoff spot, with a 92.5% chance of reaching the postseason. However, their odds of winning the AFC East sit at just 14.7%.
Against a division rival that is battling for a postseason spot, the Patriots looked every bit like a team that’ll seal the AFC East title.
