FOXBOROUGH - The fuse was lit Week 5. That’s when the Patriots and Bills first squared off. That’s when the door opened to this being one of those special must-see games each time the two teams meet.

There are rivalries. And then, there are rivalries that transcend the sport.

Patriots fans know the difference.

Think back to the Indianapolis Colts. Think back to Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. That was a next-level rivalry.

The Patriots-Bills aren’t quite there, but Week 5 served as an entree into a deeper connection between the two teams.

It fueled a dynamic duel featuring Drake Maye vs. Josh Allen.

Round 2 is on tap Sunday.

On paper, all the elements are there.

You have two contending teams who will duke it out for bragging rights in the division, and supremacy in the conference.

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