While the 3-0 Buffalo Bills enter Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the top of the AFC East, the New England Patriots arrive at Highmark Stadium holding an NFL-worst scoring offense and searching for stability under quarterback Drake Maye.
The undefeated Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots in an AFC East showdown on Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with regional television coverage on CBS featuring Ian Eagle and Ross Tucker on the call.
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Bills as 6.5-point home favorites with an over/under total of 48.5 points, after the line opened with Buffalo at -7 earlier in the week.
Fans tuning in away from the television can also listen to the action on the Bills Radio Network with Chris Brown handling play-by-play, Eric Wood providing color analysis, and Steve Tasker reporting from the sidelines. Radio coverage spans stations such as WGRF 96.9 FM in Buffalo, WSKO 1260 AM in Syracuse, WWSE 93.3 FM in Jamestown, WQTK 92.7 FM in Ogdensburg, WOTT 94.1 FM in Watertown, WBRR 100.1 FM in Bradford, WIII 99.9 FM in Cortland/Ithaca, WENE 1430 AM in Binghamton, WSDE 1190 AM in Cobleskill/Schoharie, WRAK 1400 AM in Williamsport, WEPN 1050 AM in New York, WAIO 95.1 FM in Rochester, WESP 106.3 FM in West Palm Beach, KGAB 650 AM in Cheyenne, CKGM 690 AM in Montreal, and CHUM 1050 AM in Toronto.
Patriots Seek Offensive Spark Behind Drake Maye
New England’s offense has scored only 29 points across 30 total drives this season, averaging an NFL-worst 12 points per game. The Patriots arrive in western New York following a lopsided loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that dropped their record to 1-2. Quarterback Drake Maye has thrown six interceptions and lost one fumble while recording just one total touchdown pass through three weeks.
“Drake Maye has yet to live up to his potential as the ‘next Josh Allen,’ for more than one season, anyway. But if he does, that would mean one hell of a roller coaster ride.”
Matt Dolloff, 98.5 The Sports Hub
A.J. Brown remains sidelined with a high ankle injury expected to keep him out until late October, adding to New England’s offensive hurdles. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Romeo Doubs has experienced a difficult start in Foxborough.
Analysts have questioned whether Cover 6 defensive schemes have troubled the signal-caller, if lingering shoulder soreness from last season’s injury remains a factor, or if any friction exists between Maye and Mike Vrabel.
James Cook Anchors High Scoring Buffalo Offense
Running back James Cook anchors the ground game, coming off a 154-yard, one-touchdown performance on 24 carries in a 24-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Buffalo leads the entire NFL averaging 33.7 points per game, powered by an offense that generates over 400 yards per contest.
Turnovers and Red Zone Efficiency as Deciding Factors
New England has committed eight total turnovers through three games, contrasted with five by Buffalo.
- Buffalo ranks tied for seventh in red zone efficiency, converting 75 percent of possessions inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns.
- New England ranks last in the NFL with a 16.7 percent red zone touchdown conversion rate.
- The Bills defense ranks 25th in opponent EPA per play and 27th in opponent success rate, giving analysts reason to project a high-scoring divisional battle reminiscent of last December’s 35-31 final score.
How will New England solve its offensive scoring woes against Buffalo?
More on AFC East
Worth a look
