The New England Patriots went into Gillette Stadium against the Buffalo Bills, hoping to stun the NFL and win the AFC East title by beating the Bills. They accomplished part of the objective; they stunned the NFL, but not in the way they'd hoped.
They had a 21-0 lead in the first half and ultimately lost to the NFL's MVP, Josh Allen, and the Bills, 35-31. And former MVP-favorite Drake Maye dented his MVP chances mightily, as well. Beating Buffalo anywhere is a chore. They are just too good a football team.
Yet, when you are at home and riding a 21-point lead into the latter stages of the first half, things looked bright.