Bills vs. Patriots: What a Win Would Mean for the Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have surrendered 14 straight losses to the New England Patriots, a streak in which all Bills fans are fully aware.

They've lost in every way imaginable during the stretch, as embarrassing blowouts have been trumped by numerous excruciating close calls.

Each time New England comes to town, the little hope Buffalo can hold onto instantly vanishes as the Patriots have morphed into the Evil Empire, the bad guys that seemingly can't be defeated by the Bills.

I'm a proud eternal Bills optimist, but even my positive energy is sucked away by the mere presence of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

But with each Buffalo/New England tilt comes opportunity for both teams, and this week's game is no different.

For the Patriots, another AFC East title is on the line along with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. As usual, the Bills are desperately searching for a marquee win to build on for the future.

In year's past, hopes were bleak, with the Bills clearly over-matched against various well-balanced Patriots' squads.

Although Tom Brady is operating the offense at historic efficiency, the Bills pose a much greater threat than they have in quite some time, and the win would mean the world to the organization and Bills fans alike.

Buffalo's 4-2 after starting the season 0-8.

They're undoubtedly in rebuilding mode and after wins against the lowly Lions, Bengals and Browns, a victory over the Dolphins was a solid victory, but it was hardly a signature win for the team moving forward.

A win against the mighty Patriots, at the height of their dominance this season, would make every Bills' fan's Christmas, not only because it would snap a humiliating 14-game losing streak, but the fact that it'd give us a reason to believe in the future.

Buffalo's had ample opportunity to pull off a profound victory in the past, but have always fallen back to mediocrity following losses to the top teams.

The took a real step forward against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but what happened?

They couldn't seal the deal, again, and lost in a way that drove another dagger into the souls of the Bills faithful.

It'll be the toughest task of the season, but if the Bills rag-tag group of seveth-rounders and overlooked free agents can win on Sunday, it could be the start of something special.

You know, a little momentum?

Buffalo hasn't had much to look forward to in their decade-long playoff drought and any positive thoughts, honestly, fell on false hope.

Trent Edwards, the future?

Aaron Maybin, the next Bryce Paup?

Come on.

But this team has surprising talent and unrelenting grit and beating the Patriots for the first time in seven years would be a sign of a bright future that we've been waiting for since the 1990s.