Tom Brady and the New England Patriots look at avenge an early-season loss to the Buffalo Bills when they host their AFC East counterparts in the regular season finale at 1:00 p.m. EDT on New Year's Day at Gillette Stadium (TV/Radio: CBS/98.5 FM).
Brady and the Pats suffered a shocking 34-31 loss to the Bills in Week 3 of the season at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Rian Lindell connected on a 28-yard field goal as time expired to give Buffalo the thrilling win, their third in a row to start 2011. Tom Brady threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, but he also tossed four rare interceptions. Wes Welker reeled in 16 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 369 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while Fred Jackson rushed for 74 yards and a score on 12 carries for Buffalo. Donald Jones had five catches for 101 yards and Steve Johnson had eight catches for 94 yards and one touchdown in the Bills' victory.
New England (12-3) has been on a role as of late, winning its last seven games. On Saturday, the Patriots took care of business against the Miami Dolphins, winning 27-24. Brady threw for 304 yards and a score while Wes Welker snagged 12 balls for 138 yards. The Pats boast the league's No. 2 passing offense, averaging 316.1 yards per game through the air.
Buffalo (6-9) has gone in the opposite direction since their win in Week 3, as the Bills dropped seven games in a row from November 6 through December 18. Last week, the Bills put up a convincing 40-14 win over Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Fitzpatrick threw for 196 yards and C.J. Spiller ran for 111 yards and one score. Johnson had four catches for 92 yards for Buffalo. The Bills have the 11th ranked rushing offense (121 YPG) but are 28th in rushing yards allowed (139.1 YPG) this season.
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