Joe Milton III made a remarkable debut for the New England Patriots, leading them to a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Milton, who replaced rookie Drake Maye, passed for a touchdown and rushed for another, helping the Patriots avoid a last-place finish that would have granted them the No. 1 overall draft pick. Instead, they ended the season 4-13, falling to the No. 4 pick.

Milton completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards, while Kayshon Boutte caught seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. The victory snapped a six-game losing streak, and Joey Slye contributed three field goals. Coach Jerod Mayo made strategic decisions, resting key players such as running back Rhamondre Stevenson and tight end Hunter Henry.