NFL Week 17 Game Recap: Buffalo Bills 27, New England Patriots 21

The New England Patriots opened the game with a 98-yard kick return touchdown from Jalen Reagor, but then things went immediately downhill, with quarterback Bailey Zappe throwing three interceptions in the first half. However, Bill Belichick’s defense also held Josh Allen in check all day, limiting him to 15 completions from 30 attempts for 169 yards and one interception.

The Buffalo Bills ultimately escaped an ugly game with a 27-21 victory and will head to Miami in Week 18, where they can steal the AFC East crown with a victory.

Offensive spotlight: Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott led the team with 39 yards and a score on the ground, and backup running back Kevin Harris led the team with 54 receiving yards on two grabs. 

Bills quarterback Josh Allen produced 44 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and was patient on zone reads and even a triple-option play, where he kept the ball and then pitched it to Khalil Shakir. 

Defensive spotlight: Patriots safety Kyle Dugger led New England with seven solo tackles and added a pass breakup and a quarterback hit. Deatrich Wise Jr. came away with the lone sack of Josh Allen on the day, but New England created pressure off the edge with Josh Uche and on the interior with Christian Barmore. 

Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard was all over the place in this game, with two sacks, three tackles for loss and a game-leading eight solo tackles. Buffalo’s trade for cornerback Rasul Douglas also looks better and better each week, as he came down with two interceptions, including a pick-six in this one. Interior defender Ed Oliver continued his breakout 2023 season with an interception of his own. 

Rookie spotlight: Patriots rookie cornerback Alex Austin snagged the interception of Josh Allen, a funny revenge plot after the seventh-round pick of the Bills in this past year’s draft made his way onto New England’s roster. Rookie kicker Chad Ryland missed another field goal and has the worst field-goal percentage in the NFL. 

Bills rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid had one of the stronger games of his young career, hauling in four receptions for 87 yards, including a 51-yard scamper. 

Box Score

Passing

Rushing

Receiving