If you heard the sound of champagne popping around 11:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night, it likely signified the celebration of the ’72 Dolphins. The last unbeaten team in the NFL for 2025 has officially tasted defeat, as the New England Patriots pulled off a stunning upset against the Buffalo Bills, winning 23-20 in a thrilling matchup on Sunday Night Football.
In a remarkable display of poise and skill, second-year quarterback Drake Maye orchestrated his first game-winning drive. Maye's decisive completions set the stage for rookie kicker Andy Borregales to nail a game-winning 52-yard field goal with just 15 seconds left on the clock. This victory marks a significant milestone in Maye’s career, as he completed 22-of-30 passes for 273 yards, demonstrating impressive growth in his first primetime start. Notably, he achieved a staggering completion rate in the second half, going 13-of-14.
Many of Maye's successful passes were directed towards former Bills receiver Stefon Diggs, who had a standout night with 10 receptions for 146 yards on 12 targets. This performance marked Diggs’ best outing since 2022, when he recorded similar numbers in a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite a rough start to the game, which included a third lost fumble in three games for Rhamondre Stevenson, the Patriots rallied in the second half. Stevenson rushed for two crucial touchdowns, helping New England build a lead. The first half was notably uneventful, with the Patriots managing just two field goals and the Bills only one, amid a flurry of penalties and turnovers.
Buffalo began to find its rhythm after halftime when Josh Allen threw his eighth touchdown pass of the season, giving the Bills a 10-6 lead early in the third quarter. However, New England quickly responded with Stevenson’s first touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 13-10. A pivotal moment for Buffalo came when Allen threw an interception deep in Patriots territory, allowing New England to capitalize on the extra possession. The Patriots executed an impressive 11-play, 90-yard drive, resulting in Stevenson’s second touchdown, extending their lead to 20-10.
Despite falling behind, the Bills refused to back down. Keon Coleman caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Allen, narrowing the score to 20-17. After a solid defensive effort, Buffalo managed to reach the Patriots’ 27-yard line, but the drive stalled, leading to a 45-yard field goal from Matt Prater that tied the game. However, New England had too much time left on the clock for Maye to operate.
In the end, Allen finished the game with 22 completions on 31 attempts for 253 yards, contributing two touchdowns but also accounting for an interception and a lost fumble. He led the Bills in rushing with 53 yards on nine carries, while James Cook added 49 yards on 15 attempts. Tight end Dalton Kincaid emerged as a key target, leading the team with six catches totaling 108 yards.
With a record of 3-2 following this critical divisional road victory, the Patriots are set to face the 1-4 Saints next weekend. Meanwhile, the 4-1 Bills will have an extra day to reflect on this unexpected loss as they prepare to host the 2-2 Falcons, who are coming off their bye week next Monday night.
