What to Watch For: Patriots vs. Bills

Rob Gronkowski

Throughout his career, tight end Rob Gronkowski has had big games against the Bills, the team he grew up rooting for. 

In six career games in Buffalo, Gronkowski has seven touchdowns on 35 catches for 583 yards. 

"It's always challenging going in there and just growing up, where you're from - just about 20 minutes away from the stadium - and going to games growing up and everything. I would say just being able to go there gets your juices flowing, and it's just a dream come true every single time you get to go to your hometown and play. So, I treat it as an honor to go back and play and I always get excited for it because you're playing in front of your family and friends you grew up with," said Gronkowski during his press conference on Thursday. 

This season, the Bills have given up 55 catches and two touchdowns to tight ends.

Offensive Line

The Patriots offensive line will look to rebound after a rough week last week against the Dolphins. 

The offensive line gave up only one sack, but allowed Tom Brady to get hit eight times in the game. Brady fumbled on the play resulting in a touchdown for Miami. 

The Bills are 31st in the NFL in sacks per pass play, so an opportunity for the offensive line to build some confidence back. 

Marcus Cannon will once again be out of the game, while center David Andrews is listed as questionable, according to tot he Friday injury report. 

Stephon Gilmore

Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore returns to Buffalo returns to Buffalo to face his former team. 

Gilmore spent five seasons in Buffalo where he racked up 14 interceptions. 

Gilmore signed a five-year deal worth $65 million with the Patriots in the offseason. 

So far this season, Gilmore has two interceptions and five passes defensed in eight games. 

LeSean McCoy

Other than quarterback Tyrod Taylor, LeSean McCoy is the key to the Buffalo Bills offense. 

In 11 games this season, McCoy has rushed 192 times for 758 yards and four touchdowns. He has also 46 passes for 295 yards and one touchdown. 

He is the only Bill with more than 30 catches. 

In three games against the Patriots, McCoy has carried 54 times for 241 yards and caught 15 passes for 108.

"He's just so tough in the open field. I've been playing him since college where we had calls where you've got him in a phone booth and you come up with just his towel. You just want to get as many guys there, and there's going to obviously be some one-on-one opportunities in the game where you just want to keep your leverage on him and take your shot and try to make that tackle," said Patriots safety Devin McCourty. 

Dwayne Allen

Martellus Bennett has been ruled out for the season, meaning the Patriots are back to relying on Dwayne Allen. 

After having no catches in the Patriots first eight games, Allen has four catches and a touchdown in the last three games. 

With the offensive line struggling, Allen will likely be used to help block. 

However, it will be interesting to see how much he shows up in the passing game.