The Associated Press

8 things to watch vs. the Patriots

By Ryan Talbot | Contributing writer

The Buffalo Bills ended their three-game losing streak in Week 12, but it'll take quite the effort for Buffalo to pick up their second straight win. Following their 16-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo will return to New Era Field to host the 9-2 New England Patriots. Here are 8 things to watch as the Bills look to pull off the upset of the season.

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Jack Dempsey

Can Rick Dennison call his best game of the season?

The Bills won their Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs thanks to a great defensive effort. Buffalo's offense was average at best. Even if Buffalo's defense plays as well as they did against the Chiefs, it won't be enough for the team to knock off the Patriots. The Bills need to be great on offense to pull off the Week 13 upset and it starts with Rick Dennison.

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Bill Wippert

How do the Bills handle Gronk?

Many Bills coaches have struggled to find ways to stop Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots tight end and Buffalo native has caught 35 passes for 583 yards and seven touchdowns in six games at Ralph Wilson Stadium/New Era Field. Leslie Frazier and the Bills need to find ways to keep Gronkowski from taking over Sunday's game. The won't be able to stop Gronkowski, but they need to at least slow the tight end down.

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Steven Senne

Will Mike Gillislee suit up for the Patriots?

Mike Gillislee has been the odd man out at running back for the Patriots the last three weeks. Could Bill Belichick unleash Gillislee in Week 13 against his former team? New England hasn't missed a beat with Gillislee inactive, but Belichick could give the former Bills back a chance to run all over his former teammates.

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Steven Senne

Does Tyrod Taylor go after Stephon Gilmore?

Speaking of former Bills, cornerback Stephon Gilmore will make his return to Buffalo in Week 13. The cornerback has been playing very well as of late, but that may not stop Tyrod Taylor from challenging his former teammate early and often. Bills fans would love to see Gilmore get beat deep at New Era Field, but that is easier said than done.

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Ed Zurga

Who steps up on offense for the Bills?

The Bills will need more than LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor to defeat the Patriots on Sunday. Buffalo needs multiple offensive players to step up if they hope to knock off the reigning Super Bowl champions. Charles Clay will probably be heavily involved in the offensive game plan, but the Bills will also need Zay Jones, Jordan Matthews, Deonte Thompson or someone else to step up on offense.

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Charlie Riedel | The Associated Press

How does Tre'Davious White look against Patriots?

Tre'Davious White's play should have him in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year, but his toughest test will come this week against Tom Brady and the Patriots. If White can slow down Brandin Cooks, one of the NFL's best wide receivers, he'll continue to build his case for being the league's best defensive rookie.

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Will the Bills get pressure on Tom Brady?

Hitting Tom Brady early can throw the quarterback off his game temporarily, but can the Bills get to the future first-ballot Hall of Famer on Sunday? Buffalo's pass rush has been lacking this season so it's hard to envision the Bills bringing Brady down often. If they can get after the quarterback, the game could be closer than many expect.

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Charlie Riedel

Can Sean McDermott go toe-to-toe with Bill Belichick?

Bill Belichick and the Patriots have been a step (or more) ahead of the Bills for over a decade. Sean McDermott is the latest Bills head coach to get a shot to prove that he can match wits with one of the greatest head coaches of all-time. McDermott can send shock waves through the NFL if he can come up with a game plan to knock off the Patriots in Week 13.

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