Monday Night Football open thread: Bills at Patriots

2020 has been a changing of the guard in the AFC East. The era of the New England Patriots is over, replaced by two young teams in Miami and Buffalo. On tonight’s edition of Monday Night Football, the Bills battle for the division and the Patriots battle for anything positive.

Buffalo has had growing pains under quarterback Josh Allen in previous seasons, but his athleticism and tools have shined through in 2020 as he leads one of the league’s best offenses. The Bills have won four straight games en route to a record of 11-3, and they seem primed to do some damage in the playoffs. After demolishing the Broncos last week, it looks like a tough task to slow this team down.

The Patriots have had a season to forget, and while many knew the post-Tom Brady timeline would be difficult, it has been a bit rougher than fans would have hoped. A 45-0 victory over the Chargers in Week 13 looked like a vast improvement for this team, but they followed it up with two losses and a combined 15 points. Neither the offense nor defense have stepped up this season, and it leaves New England questioning its future. Does Cam Newton return for a second stint? Does Bill Belichick retire? Is a Jimmy Garoppolo reunion on the horizon?

Here’s how to watch tonight’s game:

Date: Monday, December 28, 2020
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, MA
TV: ESPN
Announcers: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick & Lisa Salters
Online: Watch ESPN, NFL Gamepass