The Patriots host the Bills at Gillette Stadium in a pivotal game for both teams. At 8-6, Buffalo still has a shot at making the playoffs as a wild card but they need to win to win today in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

For the Patriots, they need to win out in order to secure home field throughout the playoffs. Both teams have a lot at stake so expect a good game.

Here are five keys for the Patriots.

1. Spread Em and Shred Em: With both Rex Burkhead and James White out, look for the Patriots to replace some of their production by throwing more three step passes and perimeter screens out of empty formations today. 

2. Release the Gillislee! Mike Gillislee will be activated and motivated today. I expect him to have a big game today against his former team. The Patriots need to get the Big back going and get him back into the fold. This would be the perfect team to do it against. 

3. Tackle Better: The Patriots missed a lot of tackles last week against Pittsburgh. They need to do a better job of tackling in this game, especially in space. They cannot allow LeSean McCoy to break tackles and make chunk plays.

4. Pass Pro: Tom Brady has gotten hit a lot this season. Buffalo is not complicated in terms of what they do up front but they do generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. The Patriots offensive line must give Brady time. He cannot get hit as much as he has lately. 

5. Don’t Get Caught Up in Nonsense: Will the Bills attempt to retaliate against Rob Gronkowski for his hit on TreDavious White? Who knows? The Patriots cannot get caught up in the nonsense. Both Gronk and the team need to focus on the task at hand and not get thrown off by the threat of retaliation. 

Final Thoughts: The Patriots should win this game but it will be a hard fought game that will come down to the fourth quarter. These aren’t Rex Ryan’s Bills. They won’t just quit if the sledding gets tough. They will play for four quarters. The Patriots know that so they will come to play.