WHEN THE PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL

If Tom Brady & Co. could put a combined 838 yards of offense on the books against 2006 playoff teams New York and San Diego, what will they do against a Bills’ defense decimated by injuries and offseason defections? … Donte Stallworth is questionable for today with a knee injury, but otherwise, the Patriots’ unit is at full strength. … Randy Moss has a chance to become the first player to put up three straight 100-yard receiving games with a new team. … And with top Buffalo corner Terrence McGee questionable (ribs), that ups the chances he’ll be able to do that. … But the Bills are also having trouble stopping the run, which could lead to more chances for Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris. … Brady has thrown just one interception against six touchdowns and is completing nearly 80 percent of his passes.

Key matchup: LG Matt Light vs. DE Aaron Schobel — Schobel has had some of his best days against New England; in last year’s season opener, he took down Brady four times. No NFL player has more sacks on Brady than his 10½.

Advantage: New England

WHEN THE BILLS HAVE THE BALL

Where the Patriots have averaged well over 400 yards of offense per game, Buffalo has barely totaled 400 yards and has 10 points on offense over its first two games, both losses. … Quarterback J.P. Losman, expected to take a big step forward in his third season as the Bills’ starter, hasn’t had much time to work with his reworked unit — Buffalo’s time of possession is a lowest-in-the-league 25:41. … Buffalo spent big money on free-agent offensive linemen Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker, but Losman has been sacked six times. … Rookie running back Marshawn Lynch is averaging a solid 4.2 yards per carry. … Receiver Lee Evans, who had nearly 1,300 yards last year, has been held to just 4 catches for 22 yards thus far.

Key matchup: LG Jason Peters vs. OLB Rosevelt Colvin — Colvin is coming off one of his best days as a Patriot, notching five tackles, two sacks and an interception. He’ll be looking for more today.

Advantage: New England

SPECIAL TEAMS

Both teams have kick returners that are among the best in the game. … Buffalo’s McGee is averaging 28.2 yards per return and is the franchise leader in return yards. … The Pats’ Ellis Hobbs is getting 37 yards per try, including his return touchdown against the Jets. … Bills punter Brian Moorman is a two-time Pro Bowler. His 10 punts have averaged 43.7 yards, with four downed inside the 20-yard line. … New England punter Chris Hanson has had just one punt in each of his team’s two games.

Advantage: Even

COACHING

Bill Belichick seemed more relaxed and at ease this week after a week of turmoil leading up to the home opener with the Chargers. … The Patriots’ big win over San Diego as well as the NFL’s ruling that it will not pursue further charges against the coach probably helped. … Belichick’s defenses have held Losman to a 54.5 completion percentage, five interceptions and a rating of 54.1 in four games. … Belichick is 12-3 against the Bills as a head coach. … Buffalo’s Dick Jauron has had a number of issues to deal with, including the Kevin Everett situation, and a litany of other serious injuries to his players. Also, Losman was critical of the offensive play-calling after last week’s loss in Pittsburgh, though he later recanted.

Advantage: New England

INTANGIBLES

New England is 5-0 against Buffalo at Gillette Stadium and has won the last seven games in a row between the divisional rivals. … A win would give the Patriots wins in 13 of their previous 14 meetings with the Bills, a first in franchise history. … New England will be looking to start the season 3-0 for the seventh time in team history; the last time was 2004.

smanza@projo.com