New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats

The new england patriots vs buffalo bills match player stats from October 5, 2025, tell the story of a close AFC East contest that was decided by execution in the final minutes. New England defeated Buffalo 23-20 at Highmark Stadium, improving to 3-2 while Buffalo fell to 4-1. The game was competitive throughout, with both teams scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter and the Patriots ultimately winning on Andy Borregales’ 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining.

This was not simply a game where one quarterback overwhelmed the other. Buffalo produced more total yards, more rushing yards, more first downs and more time of possession. New England, however, protected the football better, converted its opportunities in the red zone and received an outstanding receiving performance from Stefon Diggs. Those details make the box score much more interesting than the final score alone.

The matchup also provided an important contrast between statistical production and game-winning execution. Josh Allen finished with two touchdown passes and a 103.3 passer rating, while Drake Maye threw for 273 yards without a touchdown or interception. Yet Maye’s Patriots were the team that left Buffalo with the victory. That difference is one of the most useful lessons from this game when analyzing individual statistics.

Table of Contents

New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Overview

The final score was Patriots 23, Bills 20. New England scored 3 points in the first quarter, 3 in the second, 7 in the third and 10 in the fourth. Buffalo scored 0, 3, 7 and 10 points across the same four quarters. The NFL’s official game center confirms the final score, location and quarter-by-quarter scoring.

Category	New England Patriots	Buffalo Bills
Final Score	23	20
Total Yards	338	363
Passing	267	245
Rushing	71	118
First Downs	21	25
Third Down	3/9	5/9
Total Plays	56	61
Yards Per Play	6.0	6.0
Turnovers	1	3
Possession	25:29	34:31
Red Zone	2/4	2/4
Penalties	8-93	11-90

Buffalo won several statistical categories. The Bills gained 363 total yards compared with New England’s 338 and controlled possession for more than 34 minutes. They also ran 61 offensive plays to New England’s 56.

But the Patriots had the most important advantage: fewer turnovers. Buffalo turned the ball over three times, including two lost fumbles and one interception. New England lost one fumble and threw no interceptions. The difference in turnover margin was therefore plus two in favor of the Patriots.

That is a major reason why the game cannot be judged solely by yardage totals.

Quarterback Comparison: Drake Maye vs Josh Allen

The quarterback numbers are one of the most interesting parts of this matchup.

Drake Maye completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 passing yards, averaging 9.1 yards per attempt. He threw no touchdowns and no interceptions, was credited with four sacks for six yards lost and finished with a 101.1 passer rating and 76.1 QBR in the supplied box score.

Josh Allen completed 22 of 31 passes for 253 passing yards. He averaged 8.2 yards per attempt, threw two touchdowns and one interception, took one sack for eight yards and finished with a 103.3 passer rating and 54.2 QBR.

The raw numbers show a fascinating contrast.

Maye was more conservative in terms of avoiding turnovers, while Allen generated more touchdown production. Allen’s two touchdown passes went to Curtis Samuel and Keon Coleman. Maye did not throw a touchdown pass, but his passing attack consistently moved the Patriots into scoring position.

Drake Maye’s Passing Performance

Maye’s 22 completions on 30 attempts produced a completion rate of 73.3 percent.

His passing line was:

22 completions
30 attempts
273 passing yards
9.1 yards per attempt
0 touchdowns
0 interceptions
4 sacks
76.1 QBR
101.1 passer rating

One important statistical distinction deserves attention. The player passing line lists Maye at 273 passing yards, while the team passing total is 267 yards because the team figure accounts for sack yardage. The same principle applies to Buffalo, where Allen’s individual passing total is 253 yards while the team passing figure is 245.

That distinction matters when readers compare quarterback statistics with team totals.

Maye’s biggest contribution was not necessarily a single spectacular throw. It was his ability to keep the passing offense efficient enough to support a balanced game plan while avoiding the kind of turnover that could have changed the result.

Josh Allen’s Passing Performance

Allen’s line was:

22 completions
31 attempts
253 passing yards
8.2 yards per attempt
2 touchdowns
1 interception
1 sack
54.2 QBR
103.3 passer rating

Allen had the stronger touchdown output and the slightly higher passer rating.

However, the interception was particularly costly because Buffalo ultimately lost by only three points. In a one-score game, a single turnover can have a much greater impact than its appearance in the box score suggests.

Allen also contributed 53 rushing yards on nine carries, which made him an important part of Buffalo’s overall offensive production.

Stefon Diggs Was the Standout Receiver

Among all players in the matchup, Stefon Diggs produced one of the clearest individual statistical statements.

Diggs finished with 10 receptions for 146 yards on 12 targets. His average was 14.6 yards per reception, and his longest reception went for 32 yards.

His receiving line was:

10 receptions
12 targets
146 yards
14.6 yards per reception
0 touchdowns
32-yard long reception

Diggs accounted for more than half of New England’s 273 individual passing yards.

What makes the performance even more impressive is how much of his production arrived after halftime. ESPN’s game recap reported that Diggs gained 119 of his 146 yards in the second half.

That tells us something more useful than the raw total. Diggs was not merely collecting short receptions throughout the game. His influence increased as the contest progressed.

For a receiver, 10 catches on 12 targets represents an excellent level of involvement. He was clearly one of Maye’s primary answers when New England needed to move the football.

Buffalo Receiving Leaders

Dalton Kincaid led Buffalo in receiving yardage with 108 yards on six receptions.

His numbers were:

6 receptions
6 targets
108 yards
18.0 yards per reception
0 touchdowns
23-yard long reception

Kincaid’s efficiency was notable because he averaged 18 yards every time he caught the ball.

Khalil Shakir also recorded six receptions, but his 45 receiving yards came on a much shorter average of 7.5 yards per catch.

Joshua Palmer finished with two receptions for 36 yards on nine targets. His 18.0 yards per reception matched Kincaid’s average, although his target-to-catch conversion was considerably lower.

Curtis Samuel caught two passes for 26 yards and scored one touchdown. His touchdown came on a six-yard pass from Allen in the third quarter.

Keon Coleman caught four passes for 23 yards and scored Buffalo’s other receiving touchdown on a two-yard pass from Allen in the fourth quarter.

Dawson Knox added two catches for 15 yards.

Buffalo’s Receiving Distribution

The distribution shows that Buffalo had several contributors rather than relying on one receiver for most of its production.

Player	Receptions	Targets	Yards	Avg.	TD
Dalton Kincaid	6	6	108	18.0	0
Khalil Shakir	6	6	45	7.5	0
Joshua Palmer	2	9	36	18.0	0
Curtis Samuel	2	2	26	13.0	1
Keon Coleman	4	2	23	5.8	1
Dawson Knox	2	7	15	7.5	0

The target figures supplied in the box score also show an important distinction between opportunity and production.

Palmer received nine targets but caught only two passes. Knox received seven targets and finished with two catches. Kincaid, by contrast, caught all six of his targets.

That makes Kincaid’s performance particularly efficient.

New England’s Rushing Attack

The Patriots did not dominate on the ground. They finished with 71 rushing yards on 22 attempts, an average of only 3.2 yards per carry.

Yet rushing efficiency was not the main story.

Rhamondre Stevenson scored both of New England’s rushing touchdowns.

His numbers were:

7 carries
14 rushing yards
2.0 yards per carry
2 touchdowns
7-yard long run

Stevenson’s rushing average was modest, but his value came from finishing drives.

That is a crucial distinction in football statistics. A running back can have a low average and still make a decisive contribution if his carries come in high-value situations.

TreVeyon Henderson carried six times for 24 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Antonio Gibson had six carries for 21 yards, while Maye added three carries for 12 yards.

Patriots Rushing Table

Player	Carries	Yards	Avg.	TD	Long
TreVeyon Henderson	6	24	4.0	0	13
Antonio Gibson	6	21	3.5	0	8
Rhamondre Stevenson	7	14	2.0	2	7
Drake Maye	3	12	4.0	0	9
Team	22	71	3.2	2	13

The Patriots’ rushing numbers demonstrate why touchdowns should not be viewed in isolation from efficiency.

Stevenson produced only 14 yards, yet he scored twice. His touchdowns accounted for 12 of New England’s 23 points when the extra points are included in the scoring sequence.

Buffalo’s Rushing Attack Had More Production

Buffalo clearly had the stronger rushing performance.

The Bills ran 29 times for 118 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Josh Allen was the leading rusher with 53 yards on nine carries. James Cook III followed with 49 yards on 15 carries.

Player	Carries	Yards	Avg.	TD	Long
Josh Allen	9	53	5.9	0	19
James Cook III	15	49	3.3	0	9
Ty Johnson	2	10	5.0	0	7
Khalil Shakir	1	5	5.0	0	5
Ray Davis	2	1	0.5	0	1
Team	29	118	4.1	0	19

Allen’s 5.9-yard average was particularly strong.

He was not only the quarterback but also Buffalo’s most productive individual runner. His rushing ability helped the Bills generate 118 rushing yards even though the Patriots ultimately controlled the scoreboard.

James Cook carried the largest rushing workload with 15 attempts. His 49 yards represented a solid contribution, although he averaged only 3.3 yards per carry.

Why the Rushing Advantage Did Not Produce a Buffalo Win

This is one of the most important lessons from the game.

Buffalo rushed for 47 more yards than New England.

Buffalo also possessed the ball for 34:31 compared with New England’s 25:29.

The Bills ran five more offensive plays and recorded four more first downs.

Yet the Patriots won.

The difference was that New England converted its opportunities into points while Buffalo’s statistical advantages were partially offset by turnovers and late-game execution.

This is why a good football analysis should not simply declare the team with more yards the better-performing team.

Yardage measures production.

The scoreboard measures results.

Turnovers, field position, red-zone execution and late-game efficiency connect those two things.

Defensive Player Stats and Turnover Impact

New England recorded one interception through Marcus Jones.

The Patriots’ defense finished with:

70 total tackles
39 solo tackles
1 sack
2 tackles for loss
3 passes defended
5 quarterback hits
1 interception

Buffalo’s defense produced:

58 total tackles
45 solo tackles
4 sacks
6 tackles for loss
1 pass defended
8 quarterback hits

The Bills clearly generated more pressure. Their four sacks compared with New England’s one.

That makes New England’s offensive performance even more interesting. Maye absorbed four sacks but still finished with 273 individual passing yards and a 101.1 passer rating.

Buffalo’s defense created pressure, but the Patriots found enough production to stay ahead on the scoreboard.

Turnovers Became the Hidden Difference

Buffalo committed three turnovers.

New England committed one.

The Patriots had two lost fumbles and no interceptions thrown? No. The supplied data shows New England had two team fumbles, one lost, and three recoveries, while Buffalo had two fumbles lost and one recovery. New England also recorded Marcus Jones’ interception.

That combination produced the decisive turnover advantage.

The Bills’ offense was productive enough to gain 363 total yards, but turnovers prevented that production from translating into a win.

For analysts, this is one of the strongest examples of why turnover margin remains an important context statistic in close NFL games.

Special Teams Played a Major Role

The final three points came from Andy Borregales, whose 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining gave New England a 23-20 lead.

Borregales finished:

3/3 field goals
100 percent
Long of 52 yards
2/2 extra points
11 total points

Matt Prater was also perfect on his field goal attempts for Buffalo:

2/2 field goals
100 percent
Long of 45 yards
2/2 extra points
8 total points

Borregales’ three field goals were worth nine points, and his two extra points brought his total to 11.

The timing of his final kick made his contribution more important than the raw points total suggests.

A 52-yard field goal in the final minute of a tied game is a high-pressure situation. Converting it changed the outcome immediately.

The Final Drive and Game-Winning Sequence

The fourth quarter was where the contest became especially revealing.

New England entered the final quarter leading 13-10.

At 12:10 remaining, Stevenson scored his second rushing touchdown on a seven-yard run, putting the Patriots ahead 20-10.

Buffalo responded.

With 7:37 remaining, Coleman caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Allen to make the score 20-17.

The Bills then tied the game at 20-20 when Prater converted a 45-yard field goal with 2:17 remaining.

That left New England with one final opportunity.

The Patriots drove 37 yards across seven plays before Borregales connected from 52 yards with only 15 seconds left.

The official scoring sequence confirms that final field goal and the preceding drives.

This is where the box score becomes more meaningful when combined with game flow.

New England did not need to dominate the entire evening. It needed to execute one more scoring drive than Buffalo.

Third Down and Red Zone Efficiency

Third-down efficiency was another important part of the result.

New England converted 3 of 9 third downs.

Buffalo converted 5 of 9.

The Bills therefore had the better third-down conversion rate.

Buffalo also had the same red-zone record as New England: both teams finished 2-for-4.

This is another example of why no single statistic explains the game.

Buffalo was better on third down.
Buffalo was better on the ground.
Buffalo had more total yards.
Buffalo had more first downs.
Buffalo had more time of possession.

But New England still won.

The Patriots’ advantage came from the combination of ball security, scoring opportunities, key individual performances and late-game execution.

Penalties and Field Position

New England committed eight penalties for 93 yards.

Buffalo committed 11 penalties for 90 yards.

The Bills were penalized more frequently, while the Patriots were penalized for slightly more total yardage.

Both figures are significant because this was a three-point game.

When margins are this small, penalties can influence field position and drive sustainability even if they do not directly appear in the final scoring summary.

The Patriots did not play a mistake-free game. Their eight penalties demonstrate that.

Instead, they managed the mistakes that mattered most.

Punting and Hidden Yardage

New England punter Bryce Baringer recorded four punts for 191 yards.

His average was 47.8 yards per punt, with three punts landing inside the 20-yard line and a long of 73 yards. NFL records confirm his Week 5 performance against Buffalo.

Buffalo’s Mitch Wishnowsky punted twice for 70 yards, averaging 35.0 yards with one punt inside the 20.

The difference in punting volume is partly a reflection of the game itself, but Baringer’s ability to combine distance with placement helped New England manage field position.

Special teams are often overlooked when readers focus on quarterback and receiver statistics. In a game decided by three points, that can be a mistake.

Kick Return Comparison

Buffalo produced 127 kick-return yards compared with New England’s 112.

Curtis Samuel led Buffalo with 84 return yards on three attempts, averaging 28.0 yards per return with a long of 31.

Ty Johnson added 43 yards on two returns.

For New England, Antonio Gibson recorded 49 return yards on two attempts. Stevenson had 40 yards on two returns, while Henderson added 23 yards on one return.

Buffalo had the higher team return average at 25.4 yards compared with New England’s 22.4.

Again, this was an area where Buffalo held a statistical advantage without winning the game.

What the Player Statistics Reveal About Each Team

The most useful way to understand the matchup is to look beyond individual totals.

New England’s Formula

New England’s winning formula was based on several complementary pieces:

Maye avoided interceptions.
Diggs produced a major receiving performance.
Stevenson finished two rushing drives with touchdowns.
The defense created an interception.
Borregales converted all three field-goal attempts.
The Patriots protected enough possessions to survive Buffalo’s yardage advantage.
The team executed the final scoring opportunity.

None of these factors alone explains the victory.

Together, they do.

Buffalo’s Formula

Buffalo’s offense had plenty of production.

Allen threw two touchdowns.

Kincaid gained 108 receiving yards.

Allen rushed for 53 yards.

The Bills gained 118 rushing yards as a team.

Buffalo also controlled possession for more than 34 minutes.

But the turnovers and final sequence prevented those advantages from becoming a victory.

Most Important Individual Performers

Several players deserve special attention when reviewing the new england patriots vs buffalo bills match player stats.

Stefon Diggs

Diggs was arguably New England’s most influential offensive player.

His 10 catches and 146 yards gave the Patriots a reliable high-volume passing option, and 119 of those yards came after halftime.

Drake Maye

Maye did not throw a touchdown pass, but his 273 passing yards, 22 completions and zero interceptions were important to New England’s ability to sustain drives.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson averaged only 2.0 yards per carry, but he scored twice. His contribution demonstrates why touchdown opportunities and rushing efficiency should be analyzed separately.

Andy Borregales

Borregales scored 11 points and made the game-winning 52-yard field goal.

Josh Allen

Allen generated 253 passing yards, two touchdown passes and 53 rushing yards. His 306 yards of combined passing and rushing production made him one of Buffalo’s most productive players.

Dalton Kincaid

Kincaid caught all six of his targets for 108 yards, making him Buffalo’s leading receiver by yardage.

Player Efficiency vs Raw Production

A common mistake when reading NFL statistics is to assume that the player with the largest number automatically had the best performance.

This game shows why that approach can be misleading.

Stevenson had only 14 rushing yards, but he scored twice.

Kincaid had 108 receiving yards, but Buffalo lost.

Maye threw for more individual passing yards than Allen but did not throw a touchdown.

Allen threw two touchdowns and had a higher passer rating but also threw an interception.

Diggs gained 146 yards without scoring, yet his performance was central to the Patriots’ offensive success.

The lesson is simple: player statistics need context.

Volume tells you what happened.

Efficiency tells you how well it happened.

Situational value tells you when it happened.

Game result tells you whether it ultimately mattered.

The strongest analysis combines all four.

How the Quarterback Statistics Should Be Interpreted

Maye’s 101.1 passer rating and Allen’s 103.3 rating were relatively close.

If someone looked only at passer rating, the quarterbacks might appear to have had almost identical games.

But the supporting statistics reveal different styles of contribution.

Maye:

More passing yards
No interceptions
No passing touchdowns
More sacks
Higher QBR

Allen:

Fewer passing yards
Two passing touchdowns
One interception
One sack
Higher passer rating
53 rushing yards

The difference is not simply that one quarterback was good and the other was bad.

Both produced useful offense.

The Patriots won because their total team execution was slightly better when the game mattered most.

Why Stefon Diggs’ 146 Yards Matter

Diggs’ performance deserves additional attention because receiving volume is often connected to offensive trust.

He received 12 targets and caught 10.

That means Maye looked in his direction frequently, and Diggs consistently converted those opportunities.

His 14.6 yards per reception also shows that this was not purely a short-yardage possession performance.

A receiver producing 146 yards on 10 receptions at that average is capable of changing defensive structure.

Even without a touchdown, Diggs forced Buffalo to account for him throughout the game.

The Role of Defensive Pressure

Buffalo’s four sacks compared with New England’s one.

The Bills also produced eight quarterback hits compared with New England’s five.

On paper, Buffalo therefore generated more pressure.

Yet Maye still produced a strong passing total.

This suggests that New England’s passing success came despite a challenging pressure environment rather than because Buffalo failed to pressure the quarterback.

That distinction matters for anyone evaluating offensive line performance, quarterback decision-making and receiver separation.

A Practical Method for Reading NFL Match Player Stats

If you are analyzing a close NFL game, it helps to follow a consistent process.

Start With the Score

Identify the final score and quarter-by-quarter scoring.

This establishes the game flow.

Compare Total Offense

Look at:

Total yards
Passing yards
Rushing yards
Plays
Yards per play

This tells you which team generated the most offensive production.

Examine Turnovers

Turnovers often explain why the team with fewer yards wins.

Review Quarterbacks

Do not look only at passing yards.

Compare:

Completion percentage
Yards per attempt
Touchdowns
Interceptions
Sacks
Passer rating
Rushing contribution

Identify High-Value Players

Look for receivers with heavy target volume, running backs with goal-line touchdowns and defenders responsible for turnovers.

Finish With Situational Statistics

Third downs, red-zone efficiency, penalties, possession and special teams often explain the final margin.

This process produces a much more reliable interpretation than simply listing the top yardage leaders.

What Fantasy Football Players Can Learn From This Game

The statistics also offer useful fantasy football context.

Diggs’ 12 targets and 146 yards demonstrate the value of target volume.

Kincaid’s six catches for 108 yards show how a tight end can generate major yardage without scoring.

Allen’s 53 rushing yards provide additional value beyond his passing statistics.

Stevenson’s two rushing touchdowns demonstrate the importance of goal-line opportunities, even when overall rushing efficiency is modest.

However, fantasy managers should avoid treating one game as a complete projection for future performance.

A single matchup can be influenced by defensive coverage, game script, injuries, offensive philosophy and turnovers.

The right lesson is to identify usage patterns rather than blindly project the exact statistical output into the next game.

Why the Final Score Does Not Tell the Whole Story

A 23-20 score suggests a close game, and the statistics confirm that impression.

Both teams finished with six yards per play.
Both went 2-for-4 in the red zone.
Both quarterbacks completed at least 70 percent of their passes.
Both teams scored 10 points in the fourth quarter.

The difference was not a huge offensive gap.

Instead, the Patriots won a collection of small statistical battles at important moments.

The turnover margin favored New England.

The Patriots got two rushing touchdowns from Stevenson.

Diggs produced a major receiving game.

Borregales made every kick, including the decisive 52-yarder.

Those details explain how a team can lose the yardage battle and still win.

Key Takeaways From the Match

The biggest lessons from the game are straightforward.

New England’s biggest offensive weapon was Diggs. His 146 receiving yards gave the Patriots a consistent passing threat.

Maye protected the football. He threw no interceptions despite Buffalo generating four sacks.

Stevenson delivered in the red zone. His 14 rushing yards came with two touchdowns.

Allen was productive as a runner. His 53 rushing yards were the most on Buffalo.

Kincaid was highly efficient. He caught all six of his targets for 108 yards.

Buffalo moved the ball well. The Bills gained 363 total yards.

Turnovers hurt Buffalo. The Bills committed three turnovers compared with one by New England.

Special teams decided the final margin. Borregales’ 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining produced the winning points.

New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats: Final Assessment

The new england patriots vs buffalo bills match player stats provide a strong example of why NFL games should be analyzed through multiple statistical layers.

Buffalo looked stronger in several traditional categories. The Bills had more yards, more rushing production, more first downs, more offensive plays, better third-down conversion and significantly more possession time.

But New England had the more valuable combination of ball security and late-game execution.

Drake Maye’s zero-interception performance gave the Patriots stability.

Stefon Diggs supplied explosive receiving production.

Rhamondre Stevenson scored twice.

Marcus Jones recorded an interception.

Andy Borregales converted three field goals, including the 52-yard game winner.

Buffalo still produced plenty of individual excellence. Josh Allen threw two touchdowns and rushed for 53 yards. Dalton Kincaid gained 108 yards. The Bills’ rushing attack generated 118 yards and the defense recorded four sacks.

Yet the final result came down to execution.

That is the central lesson from this matchup. Football statistics are most useful when they explain the result rather than simply describe it. The Patriots did not need to win every statistical category. They needed to win enough important moments, protect the football and finish the final possession.

The official NFL game center provides the complete game information and scoring record for this matchup. official NFL game center

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Patriots vs Bills game on October 5, 2025?

The New England Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 23-20 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.

How many passing yards did Drake Maye have?

Drake Maye completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 individual passing yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

How many passing yards did Josh Allen have?

Josh Allen completed 22 of 31 passes for 253 individual passing yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.

Who was the leading receiver in the game?

Stefon Diggs led all receivers with 10 catches for 146 yards on 12 targets.

How many rushing touchdowns did Rhamondre Stevenson score?

Rhamondre Stevenson scored two rushing touchdowns for New England.

Why did Buffalo lose despite having more total yards?

Buffalo gained 363 total yards compared with New England’s 338, but the Bills committed three turnovers compared with one by the Patriots. New England also converted its final scoring opportunity with Borregales’ 52-yard field goal.

Conclusion

The October 5, 2025 meeting between New England and Buffalo was a close AFC East battle in which statistical production and winning execution did not always point in the same direction.

Buffalo controlled possession, ran the ball more effectively and generated more total offense. Allen and Kincaid produced strong individual numbers, while the Bills’ defense created four sacks.

New England answered with better ball security, a huge performance from Diggs, two rushing touchdowns from Stevenson and perfect kicking from Borregales.

The most important statistic was ultimately the final three-point margin. New England made the final play that mattered, turning a 20-20 game into a 23-20 victory with 15 seconds remaining.

For anyone studying this matchup, the clearest takeaway is that player statistics become much more valuable when they are connected to game situation. Yardage, touchdowns, turnovers, efficiency, pressure, field position and late-game execution all contributed to the final outcome.