9 quick-hit takeaways from the Patriots’ gut-wrenching loss to the Bills in Week 16

The Patriots simply couldn’t keep pace with the Bills and Josh Allen, who was way too much for Bill Belichick’s defense.

Josh Allen did just about everything a quarterback can do to win a football game. He was everything the Buffalo Bills needed in their 31-21 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday in Week 16 at Gillette Stadium.

Allen ran for first downs, breaking tackles along the way. He ripped through coverage with his blaster of an arm. And he pitched the ball forward and threw underhand and sidearm to find openings in New England’s defense. He finished 30 of 47 for 314 yards and three touchdowns. He was the difference in a game where quarterback Mac Jones almost felt like a non-factor.

The Bills now have a strong chance — roughly 88% — of finishing at No. 1 in the AFC East. New England, even with the loss, have a 96% chance of making the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight.

Here are our takeaways from the game.