The Buffalo Bills have some “X-factors” this 2025 NFL season that could play into this Sunday’s rematch with the New England Patriots in Foxboro in Week 15.

The team has a good measure of film to study and insights to prepare with, having been familiar with the coach and some key players from their past with Buffalo. Plus, the Bills‘ offense has come alive once again and has momentum heading into the second meeting between the two AFC East rival clubs.

Here are Bills Wire’s three potential X-factors for the Bills (9-4) offense against the Patriots (11-2):

QB Josh Allen

The Patriots won by a close score of 23-20 when the two clubs met in Orchard Park earlier this season. Buffalo’s offense got most of its work done in the air (245 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception).

It was a lower-scoring contest for Buffalo than the 30+ totals in each of their wins this season, except for their 26-7 victory over Pittsburgh. When it becomes an offensive shootout, Buffalo has won games, and with 28.9 to 29.2 points per game on average this season, that could play out in another close win against the Patriots (27.0 PPG). That being said, New England has had one of the easiest schedules in and the worst touchdown red zone defense in the NFL (allowing 73.1%).

Allen turned the ball over twice, once on a throw and once on a fumble, with receiver Keon Coleman losing possession on a fumble as well in their first matchup. If Allen and company protect the football and execute while attacking in the red zone and finishing drives with points, the QB could be the biggest X-factor in the game, especially if he continues his high level of recent play.

RB James Cook

The Bills’ ground game may need to have a more effective strategy for utilizing Cook and the running backs group since their first clash with New England.

HC Mike Vrable and the Pats had a gameplan to defend Cook that helped stifle the run game in their last meeting, and ultimately scored enough points to win while limiting Buffalo to 118 yards rushing (mostly split between Allen and Cook) with no scores. Being prepared this time in order to maintain possession and extend drives while putting points on the scoreboard will matter in this matchup, as winning that time of possession will help limit New England’s offensive output as well.

Buffalo drafted Cook, RB2 Ray Davis, and signed Cook’s backup and 3rd down specialist, Ty Johnson, to be dual threat hybrid receiving-backs that can impact the game effectively in both the ground and passing games, and a game plan for utilizing them and overcoming New England’s Cook-defense will be an X-factor in this game.

WR Josh Palmer

Palmer was a limited participant in Wednesday’s walkthrough practice after being inactive the past two weeks due to an ankle/knee sprain aggravation and injury that he missed time last season as well. He is showing significant enough signs of improvement and a chance to return against the Patriots on Sunday.

Firstly, in their first meeting, his route running was a factor in the passing game and in opening up opportunities for players like TE Dalton Kincaid, who led receivers with 108 yards. Secondly, if Palmer returns, it could mean another receiver is an odd man out for the game. The receiving group usage against the Bengals in a tight end-friendly passing game last week, led by Dawson Knox (93 yards) and Kincaid (41 yards and 1 TD), was Gabe Davis (58%), Tyrell Shavers (56%), Khalil Shakir (50% and 1 TD), Brandin Cooks (36%), and Keon Coleman (28%).

Coleman had a touchdown in the first meeting with the Patriots this season, and has moved around formations, being used at Palmer’s regular Z position against Cincinnati. While Cooks can continue to help fill the void against his former club this week, whether Palmer plays is an X-factor that could impact the game in a number of ways, including whether Kincaid is the primary target again.