The Patriots held Buffalo to just 17 points, but for the second straight countered with only 10 of their own and fell to 0-2 for the season.

Rookie receivers Terry Glenn and Dietrich Jells started in their NFL debuts and Glenn let the team with six receptions for 76 yards. He scored his first career touchdown with a diving reception at the 1-yard line and rolled into the end zone for a 37-yard score. Curtis Martin led all rushers with 90 yards on 28 carries after totaling just 23 yards in the season opener. The Patriots took their opening drive to the Bills 2-yard line, but settled for a 42-yard field goal by rookie PK Adam Vinatieri. The Bills knotted the game at three with a Steve Christie 33-yard field goal. The ensuing kickoff short-hopped return man David Meggett and was recovered by Ken Irvin of the Bills at the Patriots' 15-yard line. Thruman Thomas bullied his way for a 1-yard touchdown to give the Bills their first lead of the day. On their nest two possessions, the Patriots had drives stall inside the Bills 20- yard line and failed to convert any points after failed fake field goal and field goal attempt, which sailed wide right. The Patriots finally evened the score in the third with Glenn's touchdown reception. The game remained deadlocked at 10 into the fourth quarter, until the Bills capitalized on a 63-yard touchdown pass from Jim Kelly to Quinn Early but surrendered the ball on downs with just 2:20 remaining in the game. The Patriots defense held again, forcing the Bills to punt the ball with 1:41 left in the game. In the final 101 seconds. The Patriots drive to the bills 2-yard line and threatened to even the score, but could not convert on three attempts from the 2-yard line and fell victim to a 17-10 decision as time expired in the game.