10. Home is where the heart is
After back-to-back weeks on the road, the Bills will return to New Era Field this Sunday. The homecoming will mark the start of a three-game stretch for the Bills in Orchard Park this month. Surrounded by thousands of the NFL's best fans, we couldn't be happier.
9. It's. The. Patriots.
There's nothing like a division matchup to get the Bills pumped up. When Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and company stroll into town this weekend, it'll signify the first meeting between Buffalo and New England this season. A tale of two rivals, this game will be a battle on both sides. Time to circle the wagons.
Relive memorable Bills versus Patriots games throughout the years.
Bills vs. Patriots 1962
Bills vs. Patriots 1962
Bills vs. Patriots 1962
Bills vs. Patriots 1970
Bills vs. Patriots 1970
Bills vs. Patriots 1970
Bills vs. Patriots 1996
Bills vs. Patriots 1997
Bills vs. Patriots 1997
Bills vs. Patriots 1997
Bills vs. Patriots 1997
Bills vs. Patriots 1998
Bills vs. Patriots 1998
Bills vs. Patriots 1999
Bills vs. Patriots 1999
Bills vs. Patriots 1999
Bills vs. Patriots 1999
Bills vs. Patriots 1999
Bills vs. Patriots 1999
Bills vs. Patriots 2000
Bills vs. Patriots 2000
Bills vs. Patriots 2000
Bills vs. Patriots 2000
Bills vs. Patriots 2001
Bills vs. Patriots 2002
Bills vs. Patriots 2002
Bills vs. Patriots 2003
Bills vs. Patriots 2003
Bills vs. Patriots 2003
Bills vs. Patriots 2003
Bills vs. Patriots 2003
Bills vs. Patriots 2003
Bills vs. Patriots 2004
Bills vs. Patriots 2004
Bills vs. Patriots 2004
Bills vs. Patriots 2005
Bills vs. Patriots 2005
Bills vs. Patriots 2005
Bills vs. Patriots 2005
Bills vs. Patriots 2005
Bills vs. Patriots 2006
Bills vs. Patriots 2006
Bills vs. Patriots 2007
Bills vs. Patriots 2007
Bills vs. Patriots 2007
Bills vs. Patriots 2007
Bills vs. Patriots 2007
Bills vs. Patriots 2007
Bills vs. Patriots 2007
Bills vs. Patriots 2008
Bills vs. Patriots 2008
Bills vs. Patriots 2008
Bills vs. Patriots 2008
Bills vs. Patriots 2009
Bills vs. Patriots 2009
Bills vs. Patriots 2009
Bills vs. Patriots 2009
Bills vs. Patriots 2009
Bills vs. Patriots 2009
8. A job fit for two
What's better than one Bills legend leading the charge on game day? Two! That's right Bills fans, this week, former Bills elite linebacker Cornelius Bennett and running back Sam Gash will be in the house. Back at their old stomping grounds, the duo will proudly wave the Bills flag and welcome the team to the field.
7. Cool kicks on display
The NFL's Week 13 campaign, "My Cause, My Cleats" is back, giving players across the country a creative way to share the causes that they're passionate about with fans by customizing their cleats. The program has proven inspiring for many, including over 40 members of the Bills who are participating. Be sure to take a look at their cool kicks and read more about the causes that drive your favorite players each day.
In Week 13, several Bills players will take part in the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" initiative. Each player customized a pair of cleats in honor of a cause they are passionate about, to wear during the game.
QB Nathan Peterman (2)- Type 1 Diabetes- JDRF- Juvenile Diabetes Research
QB Nathan Peterman (2)- Type 1 Diabetes- JDRF- Juvenile Diabetes Research
QB Tyrod Taylor (5)- Awareness and Support for the Blind and Visually Impaired- Olmsted Center for Sight
QB Tyrod Taylor (5)- Awareness and Support for the Blind and Visually Impaired- Olmsted Center for Sight
P Colton Schmidt (6)- Character Education and Mentoring- Classroom Champions
P Colton Schmidt (6)- Character Education and Mentoring- Classroom Champions
S Micah Hyde (23)- Lack of Funding for Youth Athletic Programs and Academics- IMagINe for Youth Foundation
S Micah Hyde (23)- Lack of Funding for Youth Athletic Programs and Academics- IMagINe for Youth Foundation
RB LeSean McCoy (25)- ALS- Shades of Greatness Foundation
RB Taiwan Jones (26)- Animal (Dog) Cruelty- American Pit Bull Foundation
CB Tre'Davious White (27)- Low Income Single Parent Homes- Cooper Road Foundation
S Colt Anderson (33)
FB Mike Tolbert (35) -Single Parents and Developing Education- Tolbert Family Spade Foundation
FB Patrick DiMarco (42)- Cancer Awareness- American Cancer Society
FB Patrick DiMarco (42)- Cancer Awareness- American Cancer Society
LB Deon Lacey (44)- Anti-Bullying- Black Belt Community Foundation & Bridge Foundation
LB Preston Brown (52)- Childhood Cancer- Brian Moorman's P.U.N.T. Foundation
LB Preston Brown (52)- Childhood Cancer - Brian Moorman's P.U.N.T. Foundation
DE Eddie Yarbrough (54)- Special Olympics Colorado, Unified Sports Grandview High School
DE Eddie Yarbrough (54)- Special Olympics Colorado, Unified Sports Grandview High School
DE Ryan Davis (56)- Cure for Diabetes- American Diabetes Association
DE Ryan Davis (56)- Cure for Diabetes- American Diabetes Association
LB Lorenzo Alexander (57)- Youth Empowerment- Lorenzo Alexander ACES Foundation
LB Lorenzo Alexander (57)- Youth Empowerment- Lorenzo Alexander ACES Foundation
G Richie Incognito (64) -Ovarian Cancer- Colleen's Dream Foundation
G Richie Incognito (64) -Ovarian Cancer- Colleen's Dream Foundation
LS Reid Ferguson (69)- Type 1 Diabetes- JDRF- Juvenile Diabetes Research
LS Reid Ferguson (69)- Type 1 Diabetes- JDRF- Juvenile Diabetes Research
C Eric Wood (70) – Pediatric Cancer- The Eric Wood Foundation
C Eric Wood (70) – Pediatric Cancer - The Eric Wood Foundation
G Ryan Groy (72)- Injured Veterans/Military Appreciation- Operation Second Chance
G Ryan Groy (72)- Injured Veterans/Military Appreciation- Operation Second Chance
T Dion Dawkins (73)- Children fighting illness - John R. Oishei Children's Hospital
T Dion Dawkins (73)- Children fighting illness - John R. Oishei Children's Hospital
T Jordan Mills (79)- Sickle Cell Anemia
T Jordan Mills (79)- Sickle Cell Anemia
TE Charles Clay (85)- Pediatric Cancer- Stone's Buddies
TE Charles Clay (85)- Pediatric Cancer- Stone's Buddies
WR Jordan Matthews (87)- Scholarships for Youth- Matthews Mission
DE Shaq Lawson (90) -Cystic Fibrosis- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Bills Owner Terry Pegula- ACES Foundation
Head Coach Sean McDermott- Food Allergy Awareness
6. Keeping up with the Joneses
Bills wide receiver Zay Jones has been creating A LOT of buzz lately. Not only did the rookie take the internet by storm after the impressive –and downright mystifying—way he got up off the field after scoring a touchdown last week, he's been progressing and making moves for his squad. Looking to keep the offense rolling, Jones may have a few more magic tricks up his sleeve.
5. Déjà vu
For a few Bills turned Patriots, Sunday's contest will seem all too familiar. Returning to take on their former teammates are cornerback Stephon Gilmore, running back Mike Gillislee, DL Alan Branch and DL Eric Lee. Although ruled out for the game, Pats wide receiver Chris Hogan also spent time with the Bills. Similarly, current Bills players Brandon Tate, Conor McDermott, Leonard Johnson and Travaris Cadet all played for New England.
4. McCoy's making it happen
Bills running back LeSean McCoy has been vocal with the goals he's set for himself this season. Chasing 10,000 yards rushing, a feat that he's on pace to achieve, McCoy is walking the walk. With five games left in the regular season, Shady needs 288 yards to reach his target. The veteran ball carrier is also just 63 scrimmage yards away from 13,000 on his career.
3. Moving the chains
Fully aware of the challenge the Patriots present on all phases, the Bills will need to move the chains early and often to put points on the board. Although they'll be operating without a few offensive playmakers, Buffalo will work to capitalize with the weapons they have available. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor's ability to pick up yards with his legs could make things difficult for New England's defense, which has struggled to contain mobile signal callers in the past.
2. White for the win
He may be a rookie, but that hasn't stopped cornerback Tre'Davious White from making some veteran-like plays. Coming off a game-winning interception at Kansas City, White keeps stacking the deck in his favor. Leading the League in passes defensed with 14 on the season, the first-round pick out of LSU is a serious contender for Rookie of the Year. Proving himself a defensive asset, White's skills will be put to the test this weekend against a tough receiving corps. * *
1. One Team. One Focus.
While the Bills are in the hunt for a playoff spot, they're remaining laser-focused on the task at hand. Taking it one game at a time, the team is working together to get the job done.
