For the first time since Sunday October 21, the New England Patriots were back in action at Gillette Stadium this Sunday to take on the division rival Buffalo Bills.

After picking up a couple of first downs on their opening drive, the Bills shot themselves in the foot with twenty yards of penalties forcing them into a punt.

The Patriots' first drive of the afternoon was less than impressive with quarterback Tom Brady nearly throwing an interception on two separate occasions. However, a heads-up play from veteran receiver Deion Branch would stop a possible interception for safety Jairus Byrd and allow the Patriots to attempt a field goal. Stephen Gostkowski's kick was right down the middle and New England went ahead, 3-0.

On the ensuing Buffalo drive, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick would put the ball on the ground thanks to strip sack from veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Sophomore defensive end Jermaine Cunningham would be able to fall on it and set the Patriots up inside the redzone. A pair of defensive pass interference calls against the Bills would move the ball inside the one-yard-line. Stevan Ridley would take the ball off the right side and punch it in for a touchdown, putting New England ahead, 10-0.

As the opening quarter came to a close, the Bills had finally begun to mount a successful drive.