The New England Patriots are idle in Week 14, but they can take another step toward an AFC East title if the Buffalo Bills falter.

New England wields a 2.5-game division lead entering its bye. While the Patriots can’t clinch the AFC East this weekend, the Bills’ slim chances of mounting a comeback would shrink if they lose to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Buffalo’s defense will be without two key players when it faces Joe Burrow and Co. this Sunday. The Bills ruled out defensive end Joey Bosa (hamstring/wrist) and linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) on Friday.

Bosa recorded his team-leading fifth sack in Sunday’s 26-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The five-time Pro Bowler had played in all 12 games for his new AFC team after ending a nine-year stint with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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