Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots: open thread in the first half

Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots will meet for the first time in the 2024 NFL season this week. Buffalo is 11-3 overall and no. 2 seed in the AFC, while New England is 3-11 and looking at the no. 3 general election in 2025 NFL Draft.

Amazingly, New England is on pace to have sole possession of last place in the AFC East for the second year in a row. If it holds, it would be the first time in New England franchise history that they have had sole possession of the end for two consecutive years. The last time they finished last twice in a row were the 1999 and 2000 seasons, but they eventually finished with New York Jets in 1999 with an 8-8 record.

For the Bills, there are some franchise records on the line that could fall soon. Running back James Cook has 13 rushing touchdowns this year, which is tied for the third-best mark in a season in team history. He needs three more touchdowns to tie OJ Simpson’s record of 16 set in 1975. Perhaps even more absurd is that quarterback Josh Allen currently sits second in franchise history in rushing touchdowns with 64. He is just one more rushing touchdown away from to tie Thurman Thomas for most in franchise history.

Are any of these records falling today? We’ll see when the game starts. For now, this is your open thread. I’ll even go back to double check to make sure it’s released at the right time this week! Remember to be civil to each other. Don’t forget to switch the comments to “elder” if you’re looking for that classic game thread feel. And most importantly, enjoy the game wherever you watch it.

Go Bills!