New England Patriots return from their bye week with momentum few teams in the NFL can match, and now they carry an additional surge of optimism into Sunday’s home showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Riding a dominant 10-game winning streak, the Patriots have been one of the league’s most unshakeable forces since late September.
Yet, despite their run, oddsmakers and analysts have largely positioned Buffalo as the favorites heading into the marquee AFC East clash.
The Patriots, 12 days removed from their 33–15 victory over the New York Giants on December 1, look rejuvenated and physically recharged. The extended rest has turned into a timely advantage, especially with a crucial divisional matchup looming against Josh Allen and a Bills squad that remains dangerous regardless of its inconsistencies on the road.
Oddsmakers have listed the Bills as 4.5-point favorites, even with New England boasting a 5–2 record at Gillette Stadium and Buffalo splitting their six road contests this season. A USA Today panel of six NFL experts also leaned heavily toward the Bills, with five predicting that Allen and company would hand New England its first loss in more than two months.
However, New England may have received the exact boost it needed to tilt the odds back in its favor.
The team’s Wednesday injury report delivered the encouraging news New England Patriots fans hoped for: three previously sidelined contributors returned to full participation in practice. Rookie left guard Jared Wilson, All-Pro special teams captain Brenden Schooler, and defensive tackle Khyris Tonga — all of whom missed the Giants game — were active and unrestricted during team drills.
Their return signals a major win for head coach Jerod Mayo and his staff, who have emphasized depth, discipline, and conditioning throughout the season. Wilson’s presence stabilizes the offensive interior tasked with protecting standout rookie quarterback Drake Maye as he prepares for another high-pressure duel. Schooler’s return bolsters one of the league’s most respected special teams units, while Tonga’s availability strengthens New England’s run defense against a Buffalo offense that thrives when controlling the trenches.
With Maye emerging as one of the frontrunners in the 2025 MVP race and Allen still commanding last year's MVP aura, Sunday’s matchup has evolved into a spotlight moment for both franchises. But for New England Patriots, the timely return of three key players may prove to be the quiet turning point as they chase an 11th consecutive win.