The Bills and Patriots are prepared to kickoff their two-game AFC East yearly special on Sunday at Bills Stadium. While Week 8, these two rivals have yet to meet on the gridiron yet in 2020, so this one has been a long-awaited showdown.

In the end, the final result will likely be a huge impact on who win the AFC East crown in 2020. Could it be the Bills for the firs time in 25 years? The Patriots will have something to say about that.

But considering we haven’t seen these guys in a long time, let’s get caught up on all-things Patriots from Behind Enemy Lines now with Patriots Wire managing editor Henry McKenna:

While many things appear to be different in NE right now, one thing looks to be the same: We never know who will be the leading back. Who do you project to carry the load this week vs. the Bills? BUF’s run defense isn’t great.

HM: It’ll be Damien Harris. The Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears defended Harris’ vision this week. Harris has been the most efficient and consistent power runner, even if his sample size is on the smaller side. Let’s be honest with ourselves: Sony Michel (who is on IR) is a bust. He’s just not explosive. So Harris may not be either. But at least he can run with more power than Michel.

What’s your take on Cam Newton? Regression as of late, but could COVID be to blame?

HM: COVID probably isn’t much of a factor. He was asymptomatic, and his struggles started in Week 3 against the Raiders (before he contracted the novel coronavirus). This is a problem of anticipation and confidence. He’s struggled to anticipate receivers getting open, probably because they’re separating with such inconsistency. To make matters worse, the offensive line isn’t giving him great protection. It’s just … bad offensive play.

No Julian Edelman this week, no Gronk this season, but without them, is there somebody that could work the middle of the field for the Pats vs. this Bills defense we should watch for? TEs & slot WRs have torn up that area.

HM: Jakobi Meyers is probably the best option. N’Keal Harry has been, in a word, bad. He’s also dealing with a concussion and may not be physically able to play. The tight end position has been a non-factor. Meyers, in his first substantial role of the season, was good in Week 7 with four catches and 60 yards. Yes, for the Patriots offense, that kind of production is good.

What’s the general feeling in Pats nation on Bill Belichick? I ask that because I legitimately have never had the opportunity to wonder it. He hasn’t had this record in what… 20 years? Crazy… but he’s still got to have plenty of support, right?

HM: For the first time, it’s fair to question his decision-making. I understand his decision to move on from Brady. But it’s hard to understand why he thought he’d get by with this quarterback group. Newton was always going to be a risk, and one worth taking. But I’m surprising the Patriots felt confident in having Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer behind Newton, especially after seeing the two backup QBs in Week 4 against the Chiefs. The other shortcoming from Belichick the GM? His recent draft classes are not producing enough elite talents, especially not on offense, where he invested first-round picks in an RB (Michel), a WR (Harry) and a left tackle (Isaiah Wynn).

Finally, what’s your score prediction and why?

HM: So tough. Logic says the Bills win. History tells us the Patriots win. I’m guessing New England falls to 2-5. Bills win, 27-24. They’re just far more talented, and there seems to be a level of dysfunction happening behind the scenes for the Patriots.