First place in the AFC East is on the line this afternoon as the Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots. This is the only match-up this week between undefeated teams; the winner will exit New Era Field today with sole possession of first place in the AFC East at the end of the season’s first quarter.
Second-year man Josh Allen has made tremendous improvements this season, improving his completion percentage dramatically (from 52.8% to 64.1%). While the number itself looks great, the Bills have yet to face a defense of New England’s caliber, so this week will provide a great test for Buffalo’s young offense.
The ageless Tom Brady is off to another fantastic start, as he is completing two-thirds of his passes to go with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions through three weeks. New England has also faced three cream puffs, as their opponents (the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins, and the Pittsburgh Steelers) have combined for zero wins. Those three teams also have defenses that are currently ranked no higher than No. 20 overall.
New England’s No. 1-ranked defense versus Buffalo’s No. 5-ranked defense. Two will enter. One will emerge victorious. Your first-half open thread is here, ladies and gentlemen. I’ll see you at the tailgate!