Patriots Pull Off Upset, Beat Bills 23-20 in Week 5 Thriller

When Drake Maye, the rookie quarterback of New England Patriots, completed 13 of 14 passes in the second half, the National Football League finally lost its unbeaten team.

The upset unfolded on October 6, 2025 at Buffalo, where the Buffalo Bills suffered their first loss of the season, falling 23‑20 to the road‑traveling Patriots during a nationally televised Sunday Night FootballBuffalo game.

The defining moment came when Andres Borregales nailed a 52‑yard field goal that swished "right down the middle," putting New England ahead with just minutes left on the clock. It was a upset that left fans re‑examining the Bills' early‑season swagger and the Patriots' surprising resurgence.

Background: A Season Off to a Flying Start

Going into Week 5, the Bills were the only team in the league boasting an unblemished 4‑0 record. Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots were hovering at 2‑2, barely clipping the bottom of the AFC East. Yet the Patriots' defense had already earned a reputation for being hard‑to‑beat in the fourth quarter, a trait that would prove decisive in Buffalo.

Sanctioned analysts had penciled the Bills as a potential Super Bowl favorite, pointing to a balanced offense led by Stefon Diggs and a fortifying defense that still smelled of the championship runs of 2021‑2023. The Patriots, by contrast, looked like a rebuild – a roster populated with veterans, a few newly minted free agents, and a handful of rookies still finding their footing.

Game Flow: How the Patriots Turned the Tide

The first half was a back‑and‑forth affair. Buffalo struck first, with Diggs hauling in a 17‑yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen. New England answered with a drive capped by a short run from running back Rhamondre Stevenson that set up a field goal. At halftime, the scoreboard read 13‑10 in favor of the Bills.

What changed after the break was the sheer precision of Maye’s passing. He completed 13 of 14 attempts, threading the needle between Buffalo's secondary and hitting his targets on time. "He was laser‑focused," Patriots offensive coordinator Mike Kafka observed post‑game. "Every throw felt like it was meant for that exact spot."

Midway through the third quarter, Maye connected with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers for a 45‑yard gain that set up the Patriots' first touchdown—a 3‑yard rush by the rookie running back Rhamondre that pushed the lead to 17‑13.

Buffalo responded with a methodical drive, culminating in a field goal by veteran kicker Tyler Bass that narrowed the gap to 17‑16. The Patriots’ defense, however, tightened their grip. Defensive end Chase Winovich forced a fumble that the Patriots recovered, giving them excellent field position.

With just under five minutes left, the Patriots faced a 4th‑and‑10 at the Bills' 38‑yard line. Coach Belichick elected to go for it, and Maye’s quick slant to wideout Kendrick Bourne kept the drive alive. Two plays later, Borregales kicked the 52‑yard field goal that put New England up 20‑16.

The Bills engineered a final drive, but a pre‑snap jump attempt by the defensive line was called for offsides, pushing them back five yards. The Patriots' special teams held firm, and the Bills' final Hail Mary fell incomplete as time expired.

Key Performances and Quotes

• Drake Maye – 215 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, 13/14 completion rate in the second half.
• Andres Borregales – 52‑yard field goal, 2‑for‑2 on extra points.
• Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions for 84 yards, 1 touchdown.
• Bill Belichick – defensive adjustments in the third quarter that limited Buffalo to just 3 yards after the two‑minute warning.

"We trusted the guys, and they delivered when it mattered," Belichick said during the post‑game press conference. "Drake showed poise beyond his years, and the special teams executed the play we called. That's the kind of football we want to play."

Maye, speaking with a slightly nervous grin, added, "I just tried to stay calm and trust my throws. The guys in the huddle kept me relaxed, and that helped me see the field a bit clearer."

For the Bills, Allen admitted disappointment but praised his teammates: "We fought hard, and we’re going to learn from this. The Patriots made a few smart calls, and that’s the NFL for you – nothing is guaranteed."

Impact: What the Upset Means for Both Teams

The Patriots' win catapults them back into the AFC East race, now sitting at 3‑2 and just a half‑game behind the Bills. Their sudden surge also sparks conversations about the viability of Rookie quarterbacks in leading playoff‑bound rosters – a narrative that could reshape draft strategies league‑wide.

For Buffalo, the loss serves as a reality check. The Bills remain 4‑1, but the defeat exposes vulnerabilities in defending against quick‑release passes and handling high‑pressure special‑team situations. Critics will likely point to the missed defensive offsides call as a turning point, urging the coaching staff to tighten discipline.

Across the league, the result erodes the belief that a 4‑0 start is a guaranteed ticket to the postseason. Teams now recognize that even a top‑ranked defense can be outmaneuvered by a rookie showing remarkable composure.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Patriots and Bills?

The Patriots travel to New York next week to face the Giants, a game that could solidify their momentum. If Maye continues his high completion rate, expect the media to start dubbing him a "late‑season breakout".

The Bills bounce back against the Miami Dolphins (Week 6) – a divisional clash that will test Allen’s ability to rally his offense after a loss. Many analysts predict a high‑scoring affair, given both teams' offensive firepower.

Historical Perspective: Upsets in Patriots‑Bills Rivalry

The Patriots‑Bills rivalry has produced memorable upsets over the past decade, most notably the 2019 Week 13 showdown where the Patriots overcame a 10‑point deficit in the fourth quarter. This latest win adds another chapter, reminding fans that the AFC East never sleeps.

Key Facts

• Date: October 6, 2025
• Location: Buffalo, New York
• Final Score: Patriots 23, Bills 20
• Winning Field Goal: 52‑yard by Andres Borregales
• Rookie QB Performance: Drake Maye 13/14 second‑half completions