The Buffalo Bills will turn to one of the final few days of their 2024 NFL season.

Following their win over the Detroit Lions, the Bills (11-3) will take on the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium in Week 16.

But before we even get to kickoff, there will be a lot of Bills-related discussions and conversations to be had throughout the coming days.

Here are five storylines to watch for during the lead up to the Bills-Patriots matchup:

First meeting

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The Bills head into the final three games of their 2024 NFL regular season schedule…and it’s the first time Buffalo and New England will face off. That’s a bit odd since the two face each other twice a year.

The Bills could benefit from this since the Pats are playing poorly and have nothing to play for down the stretch, but should the NFL consider spacing these out a bit more?

Avoid that trap

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Speaking of the Patriots’ struggles… Buffalo heads into Week 16 and a two-touchdown favorite in sportsbooks. The AFC East title is locked up for the Bills as well… but they still have something to play for when it relates to seeding in the AFC postseason. Head coach Sean McDermott has to have his team focused to avoid a “trap” game.

Eyes on Chiefs?

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Along with not overlooking the Patriots, the Bills have to make sure they’re not worried about how the Chiefs are doing.

Kansas City plays on Saturday, the day before Buffalo hosts New England, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) might not be healthy. Regardless of the outcome for the Chiefs, the Bills can’t let whatever happens distract them. Just worry about yourself, but storylines relating to this will come about this week.

MVP pace

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It’s hard to debate: Bills quarterback Josh Allen is currently the 2024 NFL MVP favorite and he looks likely to win it. Whether or not Allen can keep up his MVP pace against the Patriots will be talked about throughout the coming days.

Secondary health

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The Bills survived their injuries in their secondary in Detroit last week. Buffalo would still prefer to just get healthy. Defensive backs Rasul Douglas (knee), Damar Hamlin (ribs) and Taylor Rapp (neck) all did not play against the Lions.

Their health will be monitored throughout the upcoming week. Calls for Micah Hyde to return to the lineup will grow if one of the Bills’ starting safeties cannot play.