Patriots vs. Bills: Everything you need to know about Week 16

New England hosted its AFC East rivals in a pivotal Week 16 matchup.

Three weeks after their first matchup of the season, the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills met again: the Patriots hosted their AFC East rivals at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, in a game with massive implications for both clubs.

New England entered the contest with a 9-5 record and as the frontrunner in the division. A win over the Bills — thus completing the season sweep — would have all but guarantee the team’s return to the AFC East throne after a one-year absence. It also would have helped the Patriots stay very much alive in the race for the No. 1 playoff seed in the conference.

However, they were unable to deliver. Playing some inconsistent football in all three phases yet again, the Patriots were beaten with a final score of 33-21. Now at 9-6 they are looking up in the AFC East, and will have to fight for their playoff lives over the final two weeks of the season.

To stay up to the date with all the latest news and analysis, please make sure to bookmark this story stream.