The Game of the Week lives up to the billing as the New England Patriots square off against the Buffalo Bills in a matchup packed with playoff implications and fantasy firepower. Buffalo’s defense has been leaky at times this season, opening the door for a confident rookie quarterback, while the Bills’ offense continues to revolve around one of fantasy football’s safest superstars. Let’s break down the starts, sits, and flex options you need to know.
Matchup Breakdown
New England enters with a balanced offensive approach, leaning on Drake Maye’s poise and a backfield that does damage both on the ground and through the air. Buffalo, meanwhile, remains an offensive juggernaut behind Josh Allen, even as the wide receiver room continues to evolve. Expect points, pace, and plenty of fantasy relevance on both sides.
Bills Starts
Drake Maye (QB, Patriots)
The Bills’ defense has surrendered big numbers all season, and Maye continues to look comfortable running this offense. He doesn’t need a monster day to deliver value; he’s a strong bet for 1+ touchdown with upside if this turns into a shootout.
Treyveon Henderson & Rhamondre Stevenson (RBs, Patriots)
This duo is the engine of the Patriots’ offense. Both backs are heavily involved in the run game and the passing game, giving them strong floors in PPR formats. Start both with confidence.
2025 Week 15 Fantasy Football Rankings: TE, K, DEF – Patrick Daugherty via NBC Sports
Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots)
Henry’s target share has remained steady, and Maye continues to look his way in key situations. In a matchup that could feature plenty of red-zone trips, Henry is a reliable TE start.
Josh Allen (QB, Bills)
Allen was unstoppable last week, accounting for four total scores, and there’s no reason to expect a slowdown here. He’s a lock for 2+ touchdowns and remains an elite QB1 in all formats.
James Cook (RB, Bills)
Cook was a touchdown away from a big fantasy week and continues to be a focal point of Buffalo’s offense. His efficiency and receiving work keep him firmly in RB2 territory with upside.
Flex Plays
Kayshon Boutte (WR, Patriots)
Boutte is trending up after seeing five targets and scoring last week. He’s carving out a role and makes for a sneaky flex in deeper leagues, especially if the Patriots are forced to throw.
Khalil Shakir (WR, Bills)
Shakir has emerged as Buffalo’s WR1 and found the end zone a week ago. His chemistry with Allen makes him a strong flex option with a solid floor.
Gimme Him: Dalton Kincaid would fill multiple needs for Patriots – Danny Jaillet via Patriots Wire
Dalton Kincaid or Dawson Knox (TEs, Bills)
With Buffalo lacking a consistently dominant wide receiver group, the tight ends have been forced to step up, and they delivered last week. Either Kincaid or Knox can be flexed depending on league depth and lineup needs.
Patriots Sit
Stefon Diggs (WR, Pats)
It’s strange to say, but Diggs’ production has been trending down. Until the volume and explosiveness return, he’s a risky play in what should otherwise be a fantasy-friendly matchup.
Final Takeaway
This one has all the makings of a fantasy classic. Trust the quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Drake Maye, and don’t shy away from the versatile backfields on both sides. With points likely to be scored, the key to winning your fantasy week may come down to hitting on the right flex plays in what truly is the Game of the Week.
