Patriots vs. Bills: Broadcast Info, What's On The Line?

The New England Patriots claimed the AFC East Division title for the ninth consecutive season and for the 17th time under Robert Kraft’s leadership following a 27-24 victory over Pittsburgh last week. The Patriots have now made the playoffs for nine straight seasons (2009-17), tied with Dallas (1975-83) and Indianapolis (2002-10) for the most in NFL history.

After three straight road games, the Patriots return to Gillette Stadium for the final two games of the season. This week, the Patriots will face the Buffalo Bills in a rematch from Week 13. The Patriots took the first meeting, 23-3, in Buffalo on December 3.

Here's what you need to know about Sunday's game.

Broadcast Information

TELEVISION: This week’s game will be broadcast by CBS and can be seen locally on WBZ-TV Channel 4 in Boston. Jim Nantz will handle play-by-play duties with Tony Romo as the color analyst. Tracy Wolfson will work the sidelines. The game will be produced by Jim Rikhoff and directed by Mike Arnold.

NATIONAL RADIO: This week’s game will be broadcast to a national audience by ESPN Radio. Adam Amin and Bill Polian will call the game. Sal Paolantonio will work the sidelines.

RADIO: 98.5 FM, The Sports Hub, is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.

What's At Stake?

New England clinches home-field advantage throughout AFC playoffs with:

• NE win + PIT loss + JAX loss or tie

New England clinches a first-round bye with one of the following:

• NE win + PIT loss
• NE win + JAX loss or tie
• NE tie + JAX loss

The Betting Line

Here's what the odds makers have to say about Sunday night's game via ESPN.com:

• Westgate - New England by 11.5 points.
• Caesar's - New England by 11.5 points.
• William Hill - New England by 12 points.
• Wynn - New England by 12 points.
• GG Technology - New England by 12 points.
• Unibet - New England by +0.5 points.

What The Experts Say

• ESPN.com - All nine expects pick New England
• CBSSports.com - Seven of eight experts pick New England
• Pro Football Talk - Michael David Smith: New England 30, Buffalo 17.; Mike Florio: New England 31, Buffalo 17.
• Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times - New England (Against the spread)
• Sports Illustrated - Three of six experts pick New England (Against the spread)
• FiveThirtyEight - New England favored by 84 percent

Parking Information

Stadium parking lots open four hours before kickoff. Parking is $40 for cars and motorcycles and $150 for buses, RVs and limos. For more parking information, visit the Gillette Stadium parking FAQ.

Allow for Plenty of Time Around the Stadium

With a capacity crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow for plenty of time when traveling near the stadium. The usual traffic restrictions will be in place on local roads before and after the show. Fans must use Interstate 95, Interstate 495 or Route 140 to access Route 1 and Gillette Stadium.

Clear Bag Policy In Effect

Fans attending the game are reminded that bags larger than a small wristlet or handheld wallet will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium, per the venue's clear bag policy, which is in effect at all ticketed events. If carrying a bag into the stadium is necessary, there are two options: a clear plastic bag the size of a 1- gallon Ziploc bag or a small wristlet or handheld wallet not exceeding 8" x 5" x 2" (approximately the size of a hand).
Please note that bags larger than the permitted size, including purses, shoulder bags, diaper bags and backpacks, will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium on event day. Further, bags exceeding the permitted size will not be held or stored by the venue and must be returned to a vehicle before entering the stadium. For more information on the clear bag policy, click here.

Banned Items

Prohibited items at Gillette Stadium include, but are not limited to: selfie sticks, GoPro cameras, camera bags, umbrellas, coolers, fanny packs, outside food and beverage, balloons or beach balls, noisemakers, signs larger than 11 x 17 and any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate by stadium management. For more information on prohibited items, check the stadium security protocol.

If You Need Help

Guest service booths located on the 100- and 300-level concourses at midfield/50-yard line for all stadium events. If you need immediate assistance during the event, please contact the stadium hotline at 508-384-9205.

If you require anonymous assistance during the event for behavioral or conduct related matters, please send security operations a text message at 508-928-3838 or text the word, CONDUCT to 78247 followed by all the relevant details.

Some information in this article was provided by Patriots Media Relations.

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images