The Buffalo Bills are turning to one of their final pages of the 2025 NFL season against the New England Patriots.

Following an offseason that has built Super Bowl hopes, can the Bills turn their fortunes in the right direction and make that a reality after a bumpy year?

Before we even get to the team’s next kickoff, there will be a lot of Bills-related discussions and conversations to be had throughout the coming days.

With that, here are five storylines to watch for during the lead up to Bills (9-4) against the Bengals (11-2) in Week 15 at Gillette Stadium:

AFC East implications

The top storyline ahead of kickoff is straight forward: The 2025 AFC East title.

The Patriots are heavy favorites for it at this point as they hold a two-game lead over the Bills prior to the game. If Buffalo manages to win, it could give the Bills a look at a late swing at stealing another divisional title.

With a Pats victory, it’s all over and New England locks it up.

AFC playoff standings

Beyond just the AFC East, the Pats do not have more worry in terms of making the postseason.

The Bills still are not as secure. Buffalo has to push for a win solely because of that, too.

Drake and Josh

With the emergence of the Patriots in 2025, New England quarterback Drake Maye has taken plenty of headlines. He’s the favorite to win this year’s MVP Award to some.

While Maye will not directly duel Bills quarterback Josh Allen during the gmae, it’s still defending MVP vs. potential MVP. That will be a huge headline.

A better start

Relating to recent games, the Bills need to start better. Just last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo trailed 14-3 out of the gate. That needs to improve.

Specifically against the Patriots, when the two faced off in Week 5, that could have been a difference maker. The Pats only led 6-3 at halftime in that outing.

Had either side started better, it would’ve been pivotal difference.

Turnovers

Speaking of Week 5, Buffalo gave the ball away three times. New England only did once. That’s a huge factor in any game’s outcome.

Overall in 2025, both teams have similar numbers in this area as well. The Bills are a -1 turnover differential. The Patriots at at +1. A slight edge in this area could be the deciding factor on Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills at Patriots: 5 storylines to watch for during lead up to Week 15