The Patriots haven't faced a must-win game this early in the season since 2000, but here we are. A win against the Buffalo Bills moves New England to 3-4, and pulls them closer to the top of what would be a wide-open AFC East; nearly 20% of teams that start the season 3-4 make the playoffs.

On the other hand, a loss sinks the Patriots to a 2-5 record, with the Bills pulling away atop the division and a Miami Dolphins team in the middle; only 3% of 2-5 teams ever reach the playoffs.

So the Patriots need to win, or else their season is effectively over. The Patriots will be without their best wide receiver and best cornerback and their quarterback is in shambles and their offensive line is dealing with injuries and their defensive front seven is full of question marks. But, hey, not everything is bad! The Bills barely beat the hapless New York Jets last week, so anything is possible!

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