The Patriots receivers have been vastly improved from last year's unit, but they will need to step up even more as the playoffs approach.

With three weeks left in the regular season, the AFC playoff race tightens as contenders jockey for position and New England edges closer.

Mike Vrabel took a bold stance the day following his New England Patriots’ Week 15 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Rather than cite his team’s ineptitude during his weekly radio appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, the Patriots’ head coach decided to blame the referees for their role in his team’s demise during the AFC East tilt.

The New England Patriots were a half away from ending Buffalo’s five-year reign atop the AFC East. But after allowing Josh Allen and the Bills to score touchdowns on five straight possessions, the pos

The Patriots have seen a major dip in their offensive production in the second half of games over the last month and a half. What’s going on?

Buffalo looks to narrow New England's division lead as the teams meet for their final regular season matchup at Gillette Stadium, on CBS at 1 p.m. ET.

The New England Patriots had 14.1 total Harm. That’s a decent amount over our bad day threshold of 10.0 Harm, and the second highest total Harm by a Bills’ opponent this season. I’ll give a quick formula check on the two highest flags, and then give you the Ralph Wiggum moment I promised earlier.

But Allen and Buffalo were undeterred. Ray Davis had a huge kick return to open the second half, and Allen capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown to Dawson Knox. Then, the maligned Buffalo defense, shredded throughout the first half, got a three-and-out, and the Bills marched down the field again, with Cook powering in from 3 yards out.

Between struggling to stop the run and a pass rush that's not getting home, New England's defense isn't looking great as the playoffs near.