New England must be able to produce some pivotal stops on defense to beat Buffalo in Saturday’s playoff game.

New England quarterbacks have not thrown a touchdown pass against Buffalo for two seasons. That needs to change on Saturday night for the Patriots to advance.

Teams have targeted New England assistant coaches Josh McDaniels and Jerod Mayo, but the focus for them is on Saturday’s playoff game in Buffalo.

Mayo, the Patriots linebackers coach, is in his third year coaching after playing his entire career in New England.

New England has struggled since its seven-game winning streak ended and needs to turn it around for playoff success.

New England knows the way it played in its regular-season finale against Miami will not be good enough in the playoffs.

New England will be the sixth seed and will play Buffalo in the AFC playoffs after its comeback falls short in a 33-24 loss.

New England needs to beat Miami – and get a Jets win over division-leading Buffalo – for a shot at the AFC East title and better seed in the playoffs.

In the first season with an extra game, 13 of the 16 games this weekend will have a bearing on the playoff bracket.

New England has a two-headed monster at running back with Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson that could be a difference maker in the playoffs.