Quick answer
- Winner
- New England Patriots
- Final score
- New England Patriots 37–16 Buffalo Bills
- Halftime
- Tied 13–13 at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- T. Brady
- Top passer
- Tyrod Taylor
- Biggest EPA play
- (10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J…
- Game date
- 2017-12-24
Game summary
The New England Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 37–16 on 2017-12-24. T. Brady posted a game-high +7.87 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Buffalo Bills | 3 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
 New England Patriots | 0 | 13 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 37 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
BUFBuffalo Bills(5:36) 4-S.Hauschka 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
(14:18) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer at NE 19. 21-J.Poyer for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
(7:13) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 87-R.Gronkowski for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. 75th career Brady-Gronkowski TD connection, 5th all-time.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(2:00) 3-S.Gostkowski 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 1,601 career pts, 19th all-time to achieve that milestone.
(:02) 4-S.Hauschka 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
(10:25) 4-S.Hauschka 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
(5:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(1:01) 35-M.Gillislee up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(9:32) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 33-D.Lewis for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 30th TD pass of season, extends record for most all-time in a season after turning 40. NE 12-Brady 7th season with 30+ TD pass, 4th all-time (Brees, Favre & P.Manning, 9).
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
(4:01) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 150 pts, 5th-season of 150+ pts scored (extends NFL record).
NENew England PatriotsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- BUFBuffalo Bills
Q1 5:36FG SHS. HauschkaPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 23
- Score
- 3-0
(5:36) 4-S.Hauschka 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 14:18FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- BUF 3
- Score
- 3-3
(14:18) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 10:37TD Jordan PoyerPoints+6
- Yard line
- BUF 85
- Score
- 9-3
(10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer at NE 19. 21-J.Poyer for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 10:28XP SHS. HauschkaPoints+1
- Yard line
- NE 15
- Score
- 10-3
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 7:13TD RGR. GronkowskiPoints+6
- Yard line
- BUF 17
- Score
- 10-9
(7:13) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 87-R.Gronkowski for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. 75th career Brady-Gronkowski TD connection, 5th all-time.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 7:06XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- BUF 15
- Score
- 10-10
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- NENew England Patriots
Q2 2:00FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- BUF 22
- Score
- 10-13
(2:00) 3-S.Gostkowski 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 1,601 career pts, 19th all-time to achieve that milestone.
- BUFBuffalo Bills
Q2 0:02FG SHS. HauschkaPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 4
- Score
- 13-13
(:02) 4-S.Hauschka 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
- BUFBuffalo Bills
Q3 10:25FG SHS. HauschkaPoints+3
- Yard line
- NE 12
- Score
- 16-13
(10:25) 4-S.Hauschka 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 5:12FG SGS. GostkowskiPoints+3
- Yard line
- BUF 16
- Score
- 16-16
(5:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 1:01TD MGM. GillisleePoints+6
- Yard line
- BUF 1
- Score
- 16-22
(1:01) 35-M.Gillislee up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q3 0:55XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- BUF 15
- Score
- 16-23
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 9:32TD Damien LewisPoints+6
- Yard line
- BUF 12
- Score
- 16-29
(9:32) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 33-D.Lewis for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 30th TD pass of season, extends record for most all-time in a season after turning 40. NE 12-Brady 7th season with 30+ TD pass, 4th all-time (Brees, Favre & P.Manning, 9).
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 9:27XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- BUF 15
- Score
- 16-30
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 4:01TD Damien LewisPoints+6
- Yard line
- BUF 4
- Score
- 16-36
(4:01) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NENew England Patriots
Q4 3:58XP SGS. GostkowskiPoints+1
- Yard line
- BUF 15
- Score
- 16-37
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 150 pts, 5th-season of 150+ pts scored (extends NFL record).
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1T. Brady · New England Patriots · Passing · +7.87 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 2K. Benjamin · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +5.90 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
- 3Damien Lewis · New England Patriots · Rushing · +5.51 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 4Darwin Thompson · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +4.74 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play
- 5D. Amendola · New England Patriots · Receiving · +3.16 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.05 EPA/play
- 6R. Gronkowski · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.72 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 7L. McCoy · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +2.54 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
- 8Damien Lewis · New England Patriots · Receiving · +2.22 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
T. Brady — NE · Passing
T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+7.87) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New England Patriots. Across 32 counted snaps, they averaged +0.25 EPA per play.
T. Brady's top snap (-6.45 EPA): (10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer at NE 19. 21-J.Poyer for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
Tyrod Taylor led all passers in efficiency for Buffalo Bills, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
Tyrod Taylor (Buffalo Bills) · 47 dropbacks · 44.7% completion · -6.5% CPOE · -0.07 EPA/play · -3.13 total EPA- T. Brady (New England Patriots) · 32 dropbacks · 65.6% completion · +8.2% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +7.87 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Buffalo Bills | New England Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.094 | +0.164 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.1% | 57.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.067 | +0.246 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.110 | +0.243 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.164 | +0.094 |
| Defensive success rate | 42.9% | 60.9% |
Drive & efficiency notes
New England Patriots held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.16 vs -0.09), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Buffalo Bills: -0.09 EPA/play (34th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- New England Patriots: +0.16 EPA/play (90th percentile vs. 2017 team-game averages)
- Buffalo Bills: 10 drives, -8.17 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- New England Patriots: 10 drives, +13.74 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Buffalo Bills — Jordan Poyer
- New England Patriots — R. Gronkowski (T. Brady pass)
- New England Patriots — M. Gillislee
- New England Patriots — Damien Lewis (T. Brady pass)
- New England Patriots — Damien Lewis
Field goals
- Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
- Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka
- Buffalo Bills — S. Hauschka
- New England Patriots — S. Gostkowski
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 3–0. Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the NE 23 (Q1 5:36) — (5:36) 4-S.Hauschka 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt..
The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 13–10. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the BUF 3 (Q2 14:18) — (14:18) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the BUF 85 (Q2 10:37); Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the NE 15 (Q2 10:28) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the BUF 17 (Q2 7:13); New England Patriots added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 7:06) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the BUF 22 (Q2 2:00); Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the NE 4 (Q2 0:02) — (:02) 4-S.Hauschka 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt..
The third quarter: New England Patriots won the period 10–3. Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the NE 12 (Q3 10:25) — (10:25) 4-S.Hauschka 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the BUF 16 (Q3 5:12) — (5:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the BUF 1 (Q3 1:01) — (1:01) 35-M.Gillislee up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q3 0:55) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen..
The fourth quarter: New England Patriots won the period 14–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the BUF 12 (Q4 9:32); New England Patriots added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q4 9:27) — 3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the BUF 4 (Q4 4:01) — (4:01) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q4 3:58).
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- New England Patriots (Q2 10:37) — (10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer at NE 19. 21-J.Poyer for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 14:14) — (14:14) 5-T.Taylor pass deep left to 10-D.Thompson pushed ob at NE 29 for 46 yards (32-D.McCourty) [93-L.Guy].
- New England Patriots (Q3 5:48) — (5:48) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady sacked at BUF 16 for -6 yards (95-K.Williams).
- Buffalo Bills (Q3 12:18) — (12:18) 5-T.Taylor pass short right to 25-L.McCoy to NE 10 for 39 yards (21-M.Butler).
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 5-T.Taylor sacked at NE 12 for -6 yards (59-M.Flowers).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- New England Patriots (Q2 10:37) — (10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer at NE 19. 21-J.Poyer for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 13:13) — (13:13) 4-S.Hauschka 50 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 11:30) — (11:30) (Shotgun) 5-T.Taylor sacked at NE 12 for -6 yards (59-M.Flowers).
- New England Patriots (Q4 9:32) — (9:32) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 33-D.Lewis for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 30th TD pass of season, extends record for most all-time in a season after turning 40. NE 12-Brady 7th se
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q1 5:36 · NE 23 · Score 3-0
(5:36) 4-S.Hauschka 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 14:18 · BUF 3 · Score 3-3
(14:18) 3-S.Gostkowski 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 10:37 · BUF 85 · Score 9-3
(10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer at NE 19. 21-J.Poyer for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q2 10:28 · NE 15 · Score 10-3
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 7:13 · BUF 17 · Score 10-9
(7:13) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 87-R.Gronkowski for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. 75th career Brady-Gronkowski TD connection, 5th all-time. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 7:06 · BUF 15 · Score 10-10
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q2 2:00 · BUF 22 · Score 10-13
(2:00) 3-S.Gostkowski 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 1,601 career pts, 19th all-time to achieve that milestone. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q2 0:02 · NE 4 · Score 13-13
(:02) 4-S.Hauschka 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q3 10:25 · NE 12 · Score 16-13
(10:25) 4-S.Hauschka 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-6-C.Schmidt. - New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 5:12 · BUF 16 · Score 16-16
(5:12) 3-S.Gostkowski 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 1:01 · BUF 1 · Score 16-22
(1:01) 35-M.Gillislee up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 0:55 · BUF 15 · Score 16-23
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 9:32 · BUF 12 · Score 16-29
(9:32) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short left to 33-D.Lewis for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. NE 12-Brady 30th TD pass of season, extends record for most all-time in a season after turning 40. NE 12-Brady 7th se - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 9:27 · BUF 15 · Score 16-30
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. - New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 4:01 · BUF 4 · Score 16-36
(4:01) 33-D.Lewis up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 3:58 · BUF 15 · Score 16-37
3-S.Gostkowski extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-6-R.Allen. NE 3-Gostkowski 150 pts, 5th-season of 150+ pts scored (extends NFL record).
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New England Patriots earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- T. Brady (New England Patriots) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Tyrod Taylor (BUF) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
- T. Brady (NE) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots on 2017-12-24?
The New England Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 37-16 in Week 16, 2017.
What was the score by quarter in Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots?
Q1: Buffalo Bills 3, New England Patriots 0; Q2: Buffalo Bills 10, New England Patriots 13; Q3: Buffalo Bills 3, New England Patriots 10; Q4: Buffalo Bills 0, New England Patriots 14; Final: Buffalo Bills 16, New England Patriots 37.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots?
Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Poyer (Q2 10:37) New England Patriots touchdown — R. Gronkowski (T. Brady pass) (Q2 7:13) New England Patriots touchdown — M. Gillislee (Q3 1:01) New England Patriots touchdown — D. Lewis (T. Brady pass) (Q4 9:32) New England Patriots touchdown — D. Lewis (Q4 4:01) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q1 5:36, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 14:18, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q2 2:00, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q2 0:02, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — S. Hauschka (Q3 10:25, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — S. Gostkowski (Q3 5:12, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots?
Tyrod Taylor (Buffalo Bills), 44.7% completion, -6.5% CPOE, -0.07 EPA per dropback, -3.13 total passing EPA. T. Brady (New England Patriots), 65.6% completion, +8.2% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +7.87 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots?
T. Brady (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.87 total EPA on Passing plays. across 32 snaps. Their top snap (-6.45 EPA): (10:37) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle intended for 85-K.Britt INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Poyer at NE 19. 21-J.Poyer for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Season records after this game
Buffalo Bills
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
New England Patriots
Entered 11-3 Now 12-3 W
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