This is something that is not said often but the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills are tied atop the AFC East. Both teams are 3-0 entering their first matchup of the season.

Neither team has faced quality competition yet. The Patriots have three wins over teams that are a combined 0-9. The Bills opponents are 1-8 on the season. Despite having the same record, it is clear that the Patriots are the superior team.

Here are three keys to victory for the reigning Super Bowl champs.

3. Play Patriots Football

This sounds extremely vague but when you hear the “Patriot way,” you know what it means. Things are done differently in Foxborough because of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

Six championships and nine straight AFC Championship Games later, the Patriots are still here and it is because they play their own game. It does not matter who their skill position players are, all that matters is that the quarterback and coach are the same.

Week to week, the Patriots play football their own way and this is why they are a championship contender every season.

2. James White

James White is a big factor in this game. He missed the previous game against the New York Jets because he was on paternity leave. He was not needed against the Jets but he will be in this game.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks the to media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel sounds off on viral Stefon Diggs boat videoBenedetto Vitale ·
Patriots news: Tom Brady's Super Bowl teammate makes Olympic flag football prediction
Tom Brady’s Super Bowl teammate makes Olympic flag football predictionChris Spiering ·

White is not a ball carrier. The Patriots will sprinkle in the occasional carry for White but he is an elite pass catcher. There are many times where Brady chooses to check down to White to gain yardage or White's number is called for a simple screen. White is one of the best skill position players that the Patriots have.

They will be glad to have him back against the Bills.

1. Defense Must Keep Rolling

The Patriots defense is putting up crazy numbers. It does not matter who their opponents have been, they are allowing 199 yards per game. They are giving 36.7 yards per game on the ground. Their front seven is strong and teams cannot run against them when they fall behind.

That trend will have to continue in this game. The Patriots will jump out to an early lead and make Josh Allen beat them.

If that is the case, the defense should be able to ice this game in the end.