Three weeks into the 2026 season, the Buffalo Bills have already made Highmark Stadium feel like a launching pad. They are 3-0, they score nearly 34 points per game, and Josh Allen has powered the offense with his arm, his legs and six rushing touchdowns. On Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT, the New England Patriots arrive with a very different Week 4 story: a 1-2 record, a tough loss to Jacksonville, and a need to steady their young offense.

That contrast makes this AFC East meeting important. Buffalo is chasing a larger dream after another playoff ending that fell short of the Super Bowl. New England, which reached last season’s Super Bowl after a surprise 14-3 run, is trying to show it can rebound when the road gets rough.

Allen is the storm the Patriots must face first. He has thrown for 786 yards in three games, but his running has been even more dangerous near the goal line. Defenders have to respect his huge arm, then suddenly chase him when he takes off. That can open room for James Cook III, who has raced for 346 yards already. Cook’s quick cuts and speed make him a threat to turn one opening into a long run.

Buffalo also has Dalton Kincaid working across the middle. The tight end has caught 14 passes for 263 yards, giving Allen a dependable target when defenders rush toward him. Wide receiver DJ Moore is questionable with a shoulder issue, while Allen is also listed as questionable with a knee concern. If either is limited, Cook and Kincaid could carry even more of the load.

The Patriots need their defense to slow that fast-moving attack, but their own offense must find its spark. New England has scored only 12 points per game, far below last year’s exciting standard. Quarterback Drake Maye can make plays with his legs, as shown by 82 rushing yards, yet he has thrown six interceptions. An interception happens when a defender catches a pass meant for the offense, and those mistakes have made it hard for New England to build long drives.

Maye’s best answer may be a steadier ground game. Rhamondre Stevenson is a powerful runner and useful pass catcher, while TreVeyon Henderson’s speed could add a burst if his questionable ankle allows him to play. Buffalo has given up 26 points per game and is still working to become tougher against the run. The Patriots should try to use Stevenson and Henderson to keep Allen watching from the sideline.

New England may be without wide receiver A.J. Brown, who is on injured reserve with an ankle injury. That leaves Maye needing other targets to step up, especially with several Patriots linemen and defenders also dealing with injuries.

Buffalo has won close, high-scoring games and then handled the Chargers 24-16 last week. The Bills have more offensive firepower, home-field energy and a quarterback who is making big plays in every direction. The Patriots have the talent to fight back, but they must protect the ball far better. Prediction: The Bills win and remain unbeaten.

Josh Allen and the Undefeated Bills Welcome New England to Buffalo