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NFL: It’s Brand New England vs. Orleans

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Game Preview: New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints

October 12, 2025 – Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET | Broadcast: FOX | Weather: Dome-controlled 

In the heart of the Big Easy, where jazz flows as freely as the Mississippi and the air is thick with the scent of beignets and anticipation, the New Orleans Saints are set to host the New England Patriots in what promises to be a Week 6 showdown blending old-school grit with Southern swagger. This isn’t just another Sunday afternoon gridiron battle—it’s a narrative of redemption, rising stars, and the relentless pursuit of playoff positioning in a tightly contested NFL season. With both teams hovering around .500 records early on (Patriots at 3-2, Saints at 2-3, based on our hypothetical standings through Week 5), this game could be the spark that ignites a midseason surge or the stumble that deepens the doubts.

The Patriots’ Tale: From Dynasty Echoes to a New Blueprint

Picture this: Bill Belichick’s shadow still looms large over Foxborough, but under the steady hand of head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are scripting a new chapter. Gone are the days of Tom Brady’s precision-guided missiles, but in their place is a young quarterback phenom, Drake Maye, who’s been turning heads with his dual-threat prowess. Maye, the 2024 third overall pick, has already notched three 300-yard games this season, blending arm strength with elusive scrambles that evoke memories of a certain No. 12. But it’s not all on the kid—veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson anchors a ground game that’s pounded out over 150 rushing yards per contest, providing the balance Mayo craves.

Defensively, the Pats remain a force of nature. Christian Gonzalez and Kyle Dugger lead a secondary that’s allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the AFC East, while edge rusher Matthew Judon continues to terrorize quarterbacks like a ghost from Patriot lore. The storyline here? Resilience. After a rocky rebuild post-Brady, New England is hungry to prove they’re back in contender conversations. A road win in the raucous Superdome could silence the skeptics and build momentum heading into a brutal divisional stretch.

Key Patriot to Watch: WR Kendrick Bourne. Fresh off a contract extension, Bourne’s route-running wizardry could exploit the Saints’ injury-riddled secondary, potentially turning short slants into explosive plays.

The Saints’ Saga: Bayou Bounce-Back and Home-Field Magic

Flip the script to the Crescent City, where the Saints are channeling that signature NOLA resilience after a sluggish start. Head coach Dennis Allen, under the microscope after last season’s playoff miss, has his squad leaning into their identity: a high-octane offense fueled by Derek Carr’s veteran poise and a defense that’s as opportunistic as a Mardi Gras pickpocket. Carr, who’s thrown for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs through five games, has found chemistry with wideout Chris Olave, who’s emerging as a true WR1 with his acrobatic catches and yards-after-contact flair. Add in Alvin Kamara, the ageless wonder at running back, who’s still dodging defenders like he’s auditioning for a highlight reel—expect him to feast on New England’s occasionally vulnerable run defense.

On the flip side, the Saints’ defense, led by Tyrann Mathieu’s ball-hawking instincts and Cameron Jordan’s relentless pass rush, has forced turnovers in every game this season. They’re particularly lethal at home, where the Superdome’s deafening roar has turned many a visiting team into a shell of itself. The narrative thread? Revival. With a new offensive coordinator injecting creativity (think more RPO plays and trickery), New Orleans is poised to turn their early-season woes into a symphony of success. A victory today could propel them back into NFC South contention, especially with the Falcons and Bucs breathing down their necks.

Key Saint to Watch: DE Carl Granderson. Underrated but explosive, Granderson’s speed off the edge could pressure Maye into mistakes, tilting the game toward the black and gold.

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Matchup Breakdown: Where the Magic Happens

This isn’t a clash of titans—it’s a chess match. The Patriots’ disciplined, bend-but-don’t-break defense will test the Saints’ explosive playmakers, while New England’s evolving offense faces a Saints secondary that’s allowed big plays but thrives on creating chaos. Expect a low-scoring first half as both teams feel each other out, but watch for fireworks in the third quarter when fatigue sets in and big plays emerge.

  • Offensive Edge: Slight nod to the Saints at home, where Carr’s experience could outshine Maye’s youth in crunch time.
  • Defensive Battle: Patriots might control the line of scrimmage, but the Saints’ turnover machine could swing the momentum.
  • X-Factor: Special teams. New Orleans’ Blake Grupe has been money from deep, while Pats returner Marcus Jones is a threat to house any punt.
  • Prediction: In a game that feels like a jazz improv session—unpredictable and full of flair—the Saints edge it out 27-24 on a late field goal, riding the home crowd’s energy to victory. But don’t count out the Pats; if Maye channels his inner legend, this could be the upset that defines their season.Whether you’re a die-hard Pats fan bundled up in the Northeast or a Who Dat loyalist savoring some gumbo pre-game, this matchup is pure NFL theater. Tune in, grab your snacks, and let the drama unfold. What’s your take—Patriots pull off the road warrior win, or do the Saints keep the party going in NOLA? If you want stats deep dives, player props, or fantasy advice, just ask!

Bruins surge past Sabres, 3-1

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) -In a Saturday night showdown at TD Garden, the Boston Bruins outpaced the Buffalo Sabres with a dramatic third period and a decisive final stretch, climbing to a season-record of (3-0) that underscores their basic depth and resilience, supported by good goalkeeping.

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Mark Kastelic led the Bruins with the game-winning goal and an assist. Boston never trailed, taking a 2-0 lead on Kastelic’s second-period tally while Pavel Zacha and Sean Kuraly bookended the home team’s scoring. Boston G Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves in the victory, with 13 coming in the second period.
Jason Zucker netted the lone goal and Alex Lyon stopped 28 shots for Buffalo, which has dropped its first two games of the season.
Boston finished with a 31-22 shots on goal advantage, including a dominant 17-2 in the first period.
Boston’s start included a 6-1 edge in shots even before earning its first of two power plays halfway through the first. Zacha opened the scoring with 4:12 left, sending a one-timer from the left circle through a screen after taking a feed from Massachusetts native Jordan Harris in the corner.
Lyon continued to play well and keep the Sabres in the game in the second. A few minutes after Swayman denied Peyton Krebs from close range, the Buffalo netminder made one of his best stops 8:52 into the period when he robbed Elias Lindholm with a glove save at the doorstep.
The Bruins doubled their lead less than two minutes later at the 10:21 mark. Kastelic got credit for scoring a shot from above the right wing circle that changed directions multiple times before beating Lyon five-hole.
Zucker ended Swayman’s shutout bid with 10:14 left in regulation. Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke’s breakout pass was intercepted at neutral ice, and after a Mattias Samuelsson feed, Zucker skated to the top of the left circle and fired a shot that went in off a body in front.
In the third period, Bruins killed off a Charlie McAvoy tripping penalty with 9:53 left and survived a long extra-attacker flurry before Kuraly’s empty-net goal with 2.2 seconds left.
–Field Level Media

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Oct 12

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – This weekend, “Dateline Boston” is a short 6,680 miles away from last week’s “Dateline Abu Dhabi” attention grabber across the top of WWYI, and the adventure flew by in five fun-filled, exhilarating, inspirational days. Five days of the way life is supposed to be lived when you’ve been chasing a ball around the world since 1980 (and before, as a young player, rather than an NBA executive). I must admit, your columnist was a bit rusty in the category of worldwide travel for basketball events.

From the Fall of 1985 until the Beijing Summer Olympics, there were trips to NBA events like Basketball w/o Borders, McDonald’s Opens/Championships, NBA China Games, NBA Japan Games, NBA London Games, NBA Live events, EuroLeague Final Fours, USA Basketball qualifiers, FIBA World Cups, initially known to us asWorld Championships of Basketball (WCOB), and the Olympic Games, of course. You name it, we did it. Occasionally, we even tucked-in a vacation to a cool place.

As they say in TV buzzword land, “there was a lot to unpack from the trip to Abu Dhabi (UAE),” and it wasn’t just the gold medals, international gifts, and take-home merch from friends of U-17 tournament winner Turkey.

After seeing the NBA international preseason games, featuring the New York Knickerbockers and Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi, the main take away was a simple thought – one born decades ago when the advertising firm of Goodby-Berlin visited the NBA headquarters at Olympic Tower in New York’s Rockefeller Center.

My thought? “Man, do I love this game, as in “I Love This Game.”

It’s been mentioned here once before, but the NBA tagline of “I Love This Game” was replacing the all-time favorite of “NBA Action, It’s Fan-tastic!” Both were two of the greatest promotional campaigns in sports – maybe even advertising history. An entire generation of fans grew up running to their TVs to see the highlight-driven campaign with a new celebrity endorsement concluding each spot.

“I Love This Game” came up after about eight ad agencies presented everything they could possibly conjure up in terms of research and creative to for the maturing NBA brand. From Saatchi & Saatchi to the top ad firms of Britain to Donny Deutsch, with all the principals in the room along with their top lieutenants, they all struck out, presenting absolutely nothing that resonated with a chosen few to take-in the eight presentations over two days.

Upon conclusion of the final presentation by Goodby-Berlin of San Francisco’s (then Goodby-Berlin-Silverstein), Andy Berlin – in total frustration and fully knowing his presentation went up in flames – pivoted and simply exclaimed, “I JUST wish I knew why you guys LOVE the GAME so much?”

Bingo!

Rick Welts, then the President of NBA Properties, stopped in his tracks and shouted across the room – in glee – “That’s It! – I Love This Game.”

For the record, there were a good handful of women in the room where it happened, including Judy Shoemaker, a marketer who had cut her teeth with McDonald’s out in Oakbrook, Illinois and Paula Hanson, the head of NBA Team Services who had become a world class info machine and secret sauce concoctor for the selling of tickets to a sold-out McNichols Arena for Denver Nuggets games in the ABA and NBA.

That was it.

Never have so few words described exactly what we were selling to sports fans and casual non-sports fans. People all around the world loved the game of basketball. Both men and women, boys and girls all played the game, and, pretty much, knew the rules. Put the ball in the hoop on one end, and do your best to stop your opponent from scoring on the other end. Welts knew in an instant that we had the phrase we were looking for, one that would tag each commercial spot for TV, but would also stand-up as artwork for print ads, pop-up boards at the NBA Store or at events. It also was wide-open territory for the NBA teams to use as they pleased, along with the wide-ranging “NBA Cares” moniker which would tag every single community relations department event, of which there were plenty, and they were growing exponentially as the NBA league office staffed up.

The simple description of “I Love This Game” also worked internationally. Yes, it could easily be translated, but the word “Love” was known and used globally, maybe thanks to The Beatles and “All You Need is Love,” many decades earlier.”

The catch phrase brought out the basic truth, too.

Players, coaches, referees, front office workers, and the fans just loved the game. And, there were a growing number of USA and global media who felt the same way. They had earned their way to the NBA Beat, sometimes by default as more senior media members hadn’t caught the bullet train the NBA was about to become.

Plus, “it was just cool” to cover the league. We were young and hip (that used to be a cool word for “with it”). The players were internationally known, world class athletes but they also played cool and were dressed even cooler off the court – whether it was New York Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier calling games in a leopard suit and tie, Michael Jordan dressed impeccably in a perfectly tailored suit at his post-game interview, or even Allen Iverson pushing the latest sports memorabilia with a NY Yankees cap and baggy jeans, the latest of styles in decades of the NBA players being, playing, and dressing in an authentic way.

Yes, when it went to the extremes (picture Dennis Rodman in a wedding dress on 5th Avenue in New York, autographing his latest book), the NBA had to rein it in a bit, but the players adjusted quite quickly and nicely – becoming walking fashion campaigns for Nike, Adidas, etc., while making the “arena arrival” shots among the most interesting television moments.

One personal anecdote happened one day when a one-hour interview was set up for British media legend Ian Whittell, who had met then-Commissioner David Stern many times, but this would be their first formal sit-down for The Times (UK). Upon Whittell’s arrival, which was the first time he ever visited the Olympic Tower, I just happened to be listening to Nirvana’s new “Unplugged” album, an all-timer.

Suffice it to say, Whittell hadn’t visited a stodgy British or FIFA futball executive with the PR guys pushing a Nirvana CD to the limits of acceptable volume in a business office. Little did I know at the time, but it made an impression.

As the galaxy and its stars combined in ’92 and thereafter, the talent grew in unimaginable ways, and from Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria to USA), to dozens of other MVP-level players (Steve Nash-Canada), Dirk Nowitzki-Germany, Tony Parker-France, Tim Duncan-USVI), to Yao Ming of Shanghai, China – the ball kept bouncing to new heights.

Enter Victor Wembanyama (France), Zaccharie Risacher (France), Deandre Ayton (Bahamas), Ben Simmons (Australia) and a handful of other non-Number One picks, like league MVPs, Nikola Jokić of Serbia and “Shai” (Shaivonte Aician) Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada, and you’re fielding an All-Star team.

Just this Saturday morning, upon turning on the TV to CNN World News, up popped Shawn Marion, former All-Star and triple-double machine of the Phoenix, dressed sharply and doing an interview about his experiences in Macau (China) where the Brooklyn Nets are facing Marion’s Phoenix Suns in a pair of sold-out exhibition games. (Suns 132-127 in OT in Game 1; while Game 2 is 7:00am ET Oct. 12 – see NBA.com for info).

When you tie it all together with a big bow, one that circles the circumference of the Earth, the sport of basketball travels quite nicely, and it’s enjoyed all over the globe by like-minded people.

All you need is an open mind, a competitive spirit, and the love of the game.

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: It’s 10 days until Opening Night for the hometown Boston Celtics. In recent days, there’s been talk of miraculous progress on All-Star wing Jayson Tatum’s recovery from the Achilles’ injury he suffered last spring during the NBA Playoffs. Tatum encouraged a lot of this fever when he posted a social media video of his workout, complete with a dunk.

A torn Achilles’ tendon is one of the most devastating injuries a basketball player can suffer, and for an NBA player to recover to play again at such a high level, the rehabilitation process is a long and strenuous process which usually takes a full year before players can run and jump.

Tatum is only 27 years old and in tip-top condition, so his body could be healing at warp speed. His medical care, having immediate surgery and subsequent world class medical advice and therapy sessions, has obviously provided a substantial effort towards his ultimate return to NBA play. It could still take many months, but there’s hope in Boston that Tatum might return to playoff action, if the Celtics can hold on and qualify.

Early returns show the NBA’s Eastern Conference to be a showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and the Orlando Magic as frontrunners. Detroit and Atlanta could surprise.

In the West, it’s tough to pick anyone other than the defending NBA champion OKC Thunder. If forced to pick ‘possibles,’ it would fall to the Denver Nuggets. The rest of the West remains a very tough “out” as they say, with the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets all very good basketball teams. The rest will fight it out for playoff qualification.

By the way, in the NHL, it looks like the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are still the team to beat, despite a couple injuries to key players like center Aleksander Barkov (knee) and forward Matthew Tkachuk expected to be sidelined until December while he recovers from offseason surgery to correct a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle.

After that, you can never count out the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes.

In the West, look for Edmonton Oilers to make their way back to the Final, while the Vegas Knights, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche all deserve mention.

TID-BITS AND NUGGETS: The Boston Bruins opened 2-0, a bit of a surprise considering full speculation the ice hockey club would be in rebuilding year or two after failing to make the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2014-15 and 2015-16. Top notch goalkeeping by 26-year old Jeremy Swayman and 31-year old backup, Joonas Korpisalo of Finland, will be the difference maker (or not). … NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said there’s a good chance the league might celebrate the 20th anniversary of its annual Winter Classic in the place where the outdoor event first launched – Orchard Park, New York. That was a jaw-dropper as snow flakes fell, and all of a sudden every TV viewer from Buffalo to Montreal to Detroit and Boston nostalgically recalled their days skating on iced-over ponds, shoveled for hockey games.

“I’m not making an announcement or committing to it, but we’re kind of focused on whether or not we can do it around the 20th anniversary of the original Winter Classic,” Bettman said while meeting the press at the Sabres’ season opener in Buffalo. A 2028 game could be played at the new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, a major step forward for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills franchise but ample reason to mark the January 1, 2008 (20-year) anniversary come 2028. A new venue would mark significant improvement over the old relic, Ralph Wilson Stadium in the Buff.

THIS JEST IN: Banana Ball continues to grow. The famed Savannah Bananas remain the benchmark for the barnstorming style of rollicking entertainment (see Harlem Globetrotters for hoops), but earlier this week, founder Jessie Cole announced more growth for his brand of fan-friendly, whacky baseball.

Cole said the Savannah Bananas will be joined by five teams in a new league in 2026, and the club scheduled appearances in 75 stadiums in 45 states. Cole said Banana Ball drew 2.2 million fans in 2025 and he hopes that number grows to 3.3 million in 2026. That’s 3.3 million inflatable yellow bananas sold to adoring fans everywhere.

YOU CAN’T MAKE IT UP: Professional tennis player Goncalo Oliveira claimed a kiss caused a positive methamphetamine drug test, which resulted in his being suspended for four years by the International Tennis Integrity Agency this week.

Oliveira, who represents Venezuela, was provisionally suspended in January following a positive test in November 2024 while competing at the ATP Challenger event in Manzanillo, Mexico. Both his A and B samples contained the banned substance.

The Portuguese-born player denied taking the drug and made his kiss-and-tell argument at a hearing with an independent tribunal, which decided Oliveira couldn’t prove the drug’s presence was unintentional. Oliveria received credit for time served from his provisional suspension, meaning he will be eligible to compete professionally again on Jan. 16, 2029

SPORTS BIZ: J-E-T-S … Ireland, Ireland, Ireland: (Staff note from Official News Release) – Prior to the New York Jets’ NFL international game against the Broncos in London this weekend, the New Yorkers announced new United Kingdom-based partnerships with Helix Wireless, Hershey’s, and Topman. The team’s newest international sponsors will be joined in Britain by existing partners: Avery Dennison, Choose NJ, Nike, and Visa, bringing an extensive lineup of activations and programming that can be enjoyed by fans this week for the regular season NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Oct. 12.

“We’re proud to expand our partnership with Helix Wireless as they join us in London, building on their impactful presence in the U.S.,” said Jeff Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Business Development + Ventures for the New York Jets. “Alongside Hershey’s and Topman, and in collaboration with our existing global partners, this dynamic lineup will deliver an unforgettable week of fan engagement and celebration leading into our game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

Helix Wireless will join the Jets across the pond as the presenting partner of Touchdown Tailgate, an all-encompassing fan experience full of activations, giveaways, games, food, music, and merchandise at Vinegar Yard on Saturday, Oct. 11.

  • Helix Wireless will be visible on player uniforms with a Practice Jersey Patch, which will be worn throughout the week at the team’s training grounds to be showcased at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with exclusive video board features.Helix Wireless is also a US market partner.
  • Hershey’s and Topman will also be a part of the Jets UK sponsorship lineup as supporting partners of Touchdown Tailgate. Hershey’s will host an activation consisting of Reese’s-themed games, prizes, and product giveaways.
  • Topman will be rolling out a Green Carpet and double-decker bus at Touchdown Tailgate, where fans can take part in a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity.
  • Both partners will be highlighted on the team’s social media channels.

As a part of its continuing partnership with the New York Jets, Nike will join Hershey’s and Topman as supporting partners of Touchdown Tailgate.

  • Nike will host a live customization activation where a local artist will paint one-of-a-kind Jets pieces on Nike Air Force 1s, which will be raffled off to lucky winners during NYJ events.
  • Nike will provide championship rings to three-time Jets NFL Girls Flag League champions Ealing Fields. The rings will be presented to the team by Jets Legends at Touchdown Tailgate, before they are honored on-field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the Jets game against the Broncos the next day.

SISTER JEAN, 106: October 9 (the birthday of The Beatles’ John Lennon) was a sad day in the world of American sports. The announcement by Loyola-Chicago said it all:

“A life of faith, service, and basketball. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, a beloved icon of Loyola University Chicago for more than six decades and a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary since 1937, passed away on October 9, 2025 at the age of 106. Celebrated worldwide for her infectious smile, quick wit, and basketball acumen, Sister Jean — as she was affectionately known to friends far and wide — was universally adored and touched the lives of countless people throughout her lengthy tenure at Loyola and her incredible life.”

Sister Jean with esteemed alum during run to Final Four in 2018: Photo: by McIntyre

Bruins Open in DC

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WASH DC – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Washington Capitals enter the 2025-26 season aiming to build on their Eastern Conference-best record a year ago, while the Boston Bruins embark on a new era following their first playoff miss since 2016.

Though the two teams are largely projected to be at opposite ends of the standings, hope springs eternal when they clash Wednesday in the nation’s capital.

Washington’s roster has undergone little change since a second-round playoff exit last spring. Alex Ovechkin still leads the way, entering his 21st season sitting just three goals away from becoming the first 900-goal scorer in NHL history.

There are still milestones left for “The Great 8” to chase, but there’s plenty more to get reigning Jack Adams Award winner Spencer Carbery and the whole team going as well.

“I think it’s just continuing to push the envelope,” Carbery said. “I think we have a highly motivated group, not only as a team, but individually.

“And that’s one of the main points … to bring to the forefront, is we need to be trying to push to get to another level.”

The Capitals also benefited from Dylan Strome’s career-high 82 points, making him one of seven 20-goal and 50-point scorers on the team. Ryan Leonard made his debut in the NHL after consecutive 30-goal campaigns at Boston College.

Fellow top-liner Tom Wilson also produced his first 30-goal season. Defenseman John Carlson and goalie Logan Thompson return in back.

“Whether you get drafted here, whether you sign here, get traded here, or you just come in the locker room, I think everybody expects to win,” Carlson said. “And there’s more to it than that, but I think just the mentality of winning is important, and I hope that I would play some part in that.”

Only former Florida Panthers forward Justin Sourdif and ex-Minnesota Wild defenseman Declan Chisholm are new to the fold in Washington.

On Boston’s side, it’s a fresh start in many ways after tying for an Eastern Conference-low 76 points last season.

It starts with first-year coach Marco Sturm. The former Bruins forward took over for Joe Sacco, who was the interim replacement when now-St. Louis Blues boss Jim Montgomery was fired last November.

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“My players, my staff, everyone was pulling together. That shows me that we are on the right track. Everyone’s really excited,” Sturm said. “I think (Tuesday) was one of our best practices to date.”

Boston returns star David Pastrnak, aiming for his fourth straight 100-point season, but will play without either Patrice Bergeron or Brad Marchand in a season opener for the first time since 2002-03 after the latter was traded to Florida in March.

Otherwise, the forward group is revamped. Old friend Sean Kuraly returned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in free agency. Michael Eyssimont (Seattle Kraken) and Tanner Jeannot (Los Angeles Kings) also arrived, hoping to add more grit to the lineup.

The Bruins have both Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm healthy on defense after the duo missed 97 combined man-games last season due to injuries. Lindholm (knee) played just 17.

The quality of training camp was also a topic of discussion. After goalie Jeremy Swayman’s holdout caused distraction during a poor preseason last year, defenseman Nikita Zadorov was impressed with how things went this time.

“In my 13-year career, probably one of the best camps I’ve seen,” he said. “I thought guys were sharp, I think everybody worked their butts off. … It was direct, it was quick. It was really exciting. Like fresh air for us.”

But now, it’s for real.

–Field Level Media

PATRIOTS STUN BILLS, 23-20

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BUFFALO – (Wire Service Report) – Andy Borregales made a 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining in the game to help the visiting New England Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills 23-20 on Sunday night.

The Patriots (3-2) received two rushing touchdowns from Rhamondre Stevenson.

New England wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught 10 passes on 12 targets for 146 yards. It was the first time Diggs has played a game in Buffalo since the Bills traded the four-time Pro Bowl selection to the Houston Texans before the 2024 season.

New England quarterback Drake Maye completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards.

The loss ended Buffalo’s 14-game, regular-season home winning streak dating back to November 2023. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen completed 22 of 31 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Allen, who was intercepted once, led the Bills with 53 yards rushing on nine carries. Tight end Dalton Kincaid caught all six of his targets for 108 yards.

Buffalo (4-1) had one turnover in its first four games but had three turnovers (including two fumbles) in the loss.

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New England led 6-3 at halftime. After Borregales made a 30-yard field goal with 56 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, Buffalo’s Matt Prater kicked a 31-yard field goal with 9:34 left in the second quarter. Borregales gave New England the lead with a 19-yard kick on the final play of the half.

The Bills took their first lead when Curtis Samuel caught a 6-yard TD pass from Allen on Buffalo’s first possession of the second half. Prater’s PAT put Buffalo in front 10-6 with 9:21 left in the third quarter.

Stevenson’s 4-yard touchdown run came on the ensuing possession. Borregales made the PAT, which gave the Patriots a 13-10 advantage with 6:34 remaining in the third. Stevenson’s second TD came on a 7-yard run and helped the Patriots take a 20-10 lead with 12:10 to play.

Buffalo received a 2-yard TD catch from Keon Coleman with 7:37 remaining in regulation before Prater tied the game, 20-20, on a 45-yard field goal with 2:17 left.

New England running back/kick returner Antonio Gibson sustained a right knee injury while he was returning a kickoff in the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

–Field Level Media

 

NFL Sunday Night Football Preview

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New England Patriots (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (4-0)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bills -8.5, Total 49.5

Series Rewind: Buffalo has won eight of the past 11 meetings after New England won 35 of the previous 39 matchups.

Inside Edge intel: The Bills have a streak of eight consecutive games over 100 rushing yards.

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Buffalo is one of two 4-0 teams and has racked up 133 points, second-highest in the league behind the Detroit Lions (137). The Bills are vying for their first 5-0 start since 1991, a season in which they reached the Super Bowl. Buffalo also is seeking its 15th consecutive regular-season homefield victory as the club continues to enjoy one of top atmospheres in the sport. New England receiver Stefon Diggs remembers how it works in Orchard Park after spending four seasons – making the Pro Bowl each time – with the Bills. This will be his first trip in as a visiting player since he was traded to the Houston Texans following the 2023 campaign. Diggs had six catches for 101 yards in last week’s 42-13 thumping of the Carolina Panthers. That also marked the first time New England reached the 40-point mark since 2021. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye is developing well and has completed 74 percent of his passes for 988 yards, seven touchdown and two interceptions. He also has rushed for two scores. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen of the Bills has thrown for 964 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while also rushing for three scores. James Cook is the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 401 yards and has a league-best five rushing touchdowns. New England allowed an opening-drive touchdown in three of its first four games.

Yankees Outduel Red Sox

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BRONX – Rookie starting pitcher Cam Schlittler struck out 12 in eight innings during a stellar postseason debut as the New York Yankees eliminated the Boston Red Sox with a 4-0 victory in Game 3 of the American League wild-card series on Thursday night.

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The Yankees, who won the final two games of the best-of-three set, advance to the AL Division Series to face the Blue Jays. Game 1 of the best-of-five series is scheduled for Saturday in Toronto.

New York capitalized on shaky Boston defense in a four-run fourth inning. That was more than enough for Schlittler (1-0), who allowed five hits and no walks while throwing consistently in the upper 90s. The 24-year-old right-hander fired 75 of his career-high 107 pitches for strikes.

“I was locked in,” said Schlittler, a Massachusetts native. “I knew exactly what I needed to do and go out there, especially against my hometown team. As I told Andy (Pettitte) yesterday, I wasn’t going to let them beat me. I was just overconfident in that fact. Making sure I wasn’t getting too carried away with it.”

Schlittler joined Roger Clemens (15 in 2000), Gerrit Cole (13 in 2020) and Orlando Hernandez (12 in 2000) as the fourth player in Yankees history with at least 12 strikeouts in a postseason game. He is the only rookie in that group.

Red Sox, Yanks Turn to Rookie SPs

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BRONX – New York’s Jazz Chisholm Jr. was not in the lineup Tuesday because the New York Yankees were facing Boston Red Sox ace left-hander Garrett Crochet.

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While Chisholm appeared to not be thrilled with manager Aaron Boone’s decision, he and the rest of the Yankees were elated with the second baseman’s impact on Wednesday.

Chisholm and the Yankees will attempt to eliminate the Red Sox on Thursday when the longtime rivals play a winner-advance, loser-go-home Game 3 of their American League wild-card series.

New York rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler, a Boston-area native, will start against his hometown team. Rookie left-hander Connelly Early will start for the Red Sox, and Chisholm definitely will be in the lineup.

The winner will advance to the best-of-five AL Division Series, with Game 1 against the host Toronto Blue Jays scheduled for Saturday.

“I feel like every game is a must-win,” Chisholm said. “… We always put everything out there on the line, especially the playoffs. … There’s no space. You don’t want to give any team an edge.”

Chisholm’s imprints were all over the late innings as the Yankees avoided elimination with a 4-3 victory Wednesday night.

In the seventh inning, Chisholm knocked down a ground ball by pinch hitter Masataka Yoshida to hold him to an infield single, prevent a run from scoring. The game stayed tied when Fernando Cruz escaped a bases-loaded jam.

In the eighth, Chisholm walked with two outs after seeing seven pitches from Garrett Whitlock. He scored from first on a headfirst slide when Austin Wells singled down the right field line.

“He loves to play,” Boone said of Chisholm. “He feels a responsibility to us, his teammates. And, you know, he and I have always been good. Despite what you may think happened (Tuesday), like, yeah, he’s a gamer, and, you know, he likes the stage.”

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The Red Sox never led on Wednesday, though they tied the game twice thanks to Trevor Story, who hit well against the Yankees during the regular season. Story belted a two-run single in the third inning, and he added a solo homer in the sixth after the Yankees went ahead on a single by Aaron Judge.

Boston also was aggressive with its pitching staff, pulling Brayan Bello in the third inning after he allowed a two-run homer to Ben Rice in the first. The right-hander was out after 28 pitches.

“I thought it was a great ballgame,” Whitlock said. “I thought both sides played really well. I think you saw that with (in Games 1 and 2). And so hopefully we can put together a good game (Thursday) and go from there.”

After Crochet pitched 7 2/3 innings and Aroldis Chapman got the final four outs on Tuesday, Boston deployed six relievers (Justin Wilson, Justin Slaten, Steven Matz, Zack Kelly, Whitlock and Payton Tolle) on Wednesday.

“We were doing everything possible to get to the top of the ninth with a tie game,” Cora said after Whitlock threw a season-high 47 pitches.

Schlittler, who played at Northeastern University, which is a half-mile from Fenway Park, earned the start after a stellar two-plus months in the rotation. He finished 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts after making his debut July 9.

“He gave us a shot in the arm when he became another stabilizing force in our rotation,” Boone said Tuesday afternoon. “He will handle it well regardless of result or whatever, like I don’t think it will be too big for him, and he will be ready to roll.”

The 24-year-old struck out nine and pitched seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday in his latest start.

Schlittler did not face the Red Sox in the regular season but said he faced Boston in an exhibition game when he was at Northeastern.

“Obviously I am a lot different player than I was then,” Schlittler said. “So didn’t really expect to be in this situation back then, but now I am definitely happy I am.”

Early was Boston’s fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft, and he went 1-2 with 2.33 ERA in four starts to open his major league career this year. He is filling in on Thursday for Lucas Giolito, who likely will miss the postseason due to elbow pain.

Early has yet to face the Yankees. He last pitched on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers, when he allowed two runs on four hits in five innings, throwing 86 pitches.

“It comes down to this game, and I’m excited to get out there,” Early said. “I’ve stuck to all my preparation and feel pretty good, so I’m ready to go out there and do it.”

–Field Level Media

Yankees Take Game 2

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BRONX – (Wire Service Report) – New York’s Austin Wells hit a tie-breaking single with two outs in the eighth inning and the hometown Yankees avoided elimination with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of their American League wild-card series on Wednesday night.

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Game 3 of the best-of-three set will be played Thursday in New York and the winner will advance to face the top-seeded Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Division Series on Saturday.

Trevor Story drove in three runs off New York starter Carlos Rodon. He hit a two-run single in the third and blasted a game-tying homer to open the sixth.

Guardians 6, Tigers 1

CLEVELAND – (Wire Service Report) – The Guardians’ Brayan Rocchio belted a go-ahead solo homer and Bo Naylor had a three-run shot as part of a five-run eighth inning, giving Cleveland a victory over Detroit in Game 2 of their American League wild-card series.

Rocchio’s 379-foot shot to right field occurred after Troy Melton (0-1) retired C.J. Kayfus to start the eighth, giving Cleveland a 2-1 advantage. Steven Kwan followed with a double and was driven in by Daniel Schneeman.

The Central Division champion Guardians forced a winner-take-all Game 3 at home Thursday, when they will attempt to become the first team to advance after losing Game 1 since the current wild-card format became permanent in 2022. The Tigers left 15 on base and went 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Padres 3, Cubs 0

CHICAGO – (Wire Service Report) – San Diego’s Manny Machado belted a two-run homer in the fifth inning, helping visiting San Diego square their National League wild-card series against Chicago at one win apiece.

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Fernando Tatis Jr. scored on a sacrifice fly from Jackson Merrill in the first inning. Luis Arraez contributed two of the seven hits for the Padres. Adrian Morejon (1-0) relieved starter Dylan Cease in the fourth inning and did not allow a hit over 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

Opener Andrew Kittredge (0-1) gave up the first inning run and Shota Imanaga pitched the next four innings, allowing Machado’s blast. San Diego pitching allowed only four hits; Seiya Suzuki accounted for the lone extra-base hit, a two-out double in the fourth.

–Field Level Media

High Priced Pitchers Square Off

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BRONX – (Wire Service Report) – Max Fried and Garrett Crochet lived up to expectations in sparkling debut seasons as No. 1 starters for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Now it gets real.

Crochet (Red Sox) and Fried (Yankees) delivered after being acquired in the offseason to become staff aces at the center of baseball’s most historic rivalry, and the left-handers find themselves front and center as Game 1 starters in the American League wild-card series starting Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.

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The AL East archrivals fight it out in the wild-card round for the first time and best-of-three series winner advances to the division series.