Patriots post 31-0 shut-out

THE New England Patriots clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC play-offs with a 31-0 defeat of the Buffalo Bills.

Ironically, when the AFC East rivals met in the season opener it was the Bills who posted a 31-0 shut-out.

Sixteen weeks later, the Patriots (14-2) turned the tables, extending their winning streak to 12 games and finishing with the NFL's best record. It was their third shut-out of the season and marked the seventh time they have not allowed a touchdown in a game.