Kickoff: The Patriots return home to host divisional foe Buffalo for the first of two meetings this season. The Bills have owned the Patriots the last three years, winning six of the seven meetings between the two teams. 

Here are four keys to the game for the Patriots.

1st Down- Ball Control: If the Patriots want to have any chance of winning this game, they need to run the ball and control the clock. The wind will be a factor as well. The Patriots need to shorten the game and keep Josh Allen and the Bills offense off the field.

2nd Down- Spy Allen: Allen has killed the Patriots the last three years. In many ways, he has been the difference. He has impacted the match-up both as a runner and passer. When Allen does decide to run, the Patriots must spy him on certain downs and not allow him to make plays with his legs. He is dangerous on designed runs and when plays break down.

3rd Down- Bracket Diggs: Diggs has also been a Patriots killer in recent years. Bracketing him today will be a big key defensively. The Patriots were able to negate Davonte Adams in last week’s game by doubling him. Look for more of the same today. 

4th Down- Play clean on offense: The Patriots opened last week’s game against the Raiders with back to back penalties. They also had a delay of game in a two minute situation. It was ugly. They need to play much cleaner and more disciplined this week if they want to pull off the upset.

Extra Point: Today’s game will be the 128th meeting in this rivalry. The Patriots hold a 77-49-1 edge in the series and has won 36 of the last 46 regular season games between the clubs, dating back to 2000.

The Patriots are 39-24 at home against Buffalo, including a 16-5 record at Gillette Stadium.

Final Drive: The goal today is to keep it close. Buffalo is banged up, especially on defense so this could be a more competitive game than you think. The Patriots need to avoid another slow start and falling behind. If they do, they could give the Bills a scare today. Times have changed. The Bills are no longer an afterthought, checkmark win. They are the better team now.