The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for Sunday’s showdown with the New England Patriots, where Buffalo is a heavy favorite against the their AFC East rivals.

This is the first time in more than two decades that someone other than Bill Belichick will be patrolling the Patriots sidelines as head coach, with former Pats player Jerod Mayo now the man in charge.

Belichick’s teams had long dominated the division, but now roles are reversed and it’s the Bills who’ve won five straight AFC East titles while New England flounders.

"This is our standard," said Head Coach Sean McDermott. "This is what we expect from ourselves daily, day-to-day. Certainly, respect everyone in the division, in this case, the Patriots. I’m sure they feel the same way. They have a certain standard and goals for themselves. Every year it’s up for grabs. It really is. Everyone starts at 0-0. 

The Bills enter at 11-3, riding high off last weekend’s win in Detroit. Oddsmakers have the Bills favored by two touchdowns over the 3-11 Pats, the largest spread this week. But McDermott won’t allow the Bills to take this team lightly as they try to stay in the race for the top seed in the conference. 

"I think a winner’s mindset, really a champion’s mindset has a certain degree of discipline that goes along with it when they know what they’re after. That’s the type of discipline that we have to have moving forward every week," McDermott said.

"Still a lot to play for," Josh Allen said. "We know as a team that we basically have to win out to have any chance at the one-seed. Obviously, we don’t control our own destiny there, but our approach is the same. 1-0 each week."

Speaking of favorites, Allen tops many lists for the league’s most valuable player. The superstar QB was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after his stellar effort last Sunday against the Lions.