"The 2025 season wasn't supposed to go the way it has for the Patriots, as most predicted they would (maybe) double their previous season's win record on their way to rebuilding the culture and the roster. So the fact that they are currently in the driver's seat of the division and nearly the top of the AFC is a big deal for the Mike Vrabel-led team, especially with the rise of Drake Maye."
"It has put a lot of unexpected pressure on the reigning divisional champions going into their Week 15 rematch on Sunday, and the Bills are not overlooking this game the way they might have back in October. That added motivation, plus some analysts already giving the divisional crown to New England, has some of their players more fired up than usual, including Pro Bowl offensive lineman Connor McGovern."
""When people start to count us out and we feel like we have nothing to lose, I feel like we're one of the scariest teams in the NFL. The AFC is so open right now that these last four, five games are like playoff games. It helps us tremendously that we've been in this situation before. I know a lot of these teams haven't""
The Patriots have exceeded preseason expectations by taking control of the division and nearing the top of the AFC under coach Mike Vrabel, aided by the rise of Drake Maye. The Week 15 rematch against the Bills has become a pivotal game that adds pressure to the reigning divisional champions. Analysts projecting New England for the divisional crown have further motivated Buffalo. Bills veterans, including Pro Bowl lineman Connor McGovern, emphasize that being counted out fuels their play and that the final regular-season games feel like playoff contests. Buffalo intends to seize a sliver of a chance to win the division and will play aggressively in Foxboro.
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