For New England, opening week in Buffalo must seem like 3 1/2 years ago, not 3 1/2 months. The same for the Bills.

The Patriots lost 31-0 that week, but have lost just once since. If they beat Buffalo Saturday in Foxboro, they clinch home-field advantage for the AFC playoffs. Buffalo, on the other hand, is out of the playoffs and perhaps about to lose its coach.

Don’t expect a letdown from New England, which has won 11 straight games.

“As soon as you think everything is great and you don’t need to do anything, you will drop one,” says coach Bill Belichick.

The Patriots, favored by 8 1/2 points, were shocked in Buffalo in part because they had been stunned earlier that week by the release of veteran safety Lawyer Milloy. Milloy ended up with the Bills and played a key role in the rout, along with another former Patriot, quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

But Bledsoe has played badly in the second half of the season, and about all the Bills have left to play for is coach Gregg Williams’ job. Owner Ralph Wilson was noncommittal on the subject earlier this week.

Incentive and talent.

PATRIOTS, 22-3

Denver (plus 6 1/2) at Green Bay

Denver is in the playoffs and may rest starters. The Packers are going for a playoff spot and maybe the NFC North title.

PACKERS, 24-13

Seattle (even) at San Francisco (Saturday)

The Seahawks, 1-6 on the road, have to win to stay alive. The 49ers, 6-1 at home, want to win to finish at .500.

49ERS, 31-30

Philadelphia (minus 6 1/2) at Washington (Saturday)

The Eagles’ letdown against the 49ers probably cost them the top record in the NFC. But they won’t let the division title slip away here.

EAGLES, 33-14

Dallas (minus 2) at New Orleans

The Cowboys probably will have nothing to play for. But Tuna teams play hard regardless.

COWBOYS, 13-10

Pittsburgh (plus 7 1/2) at Baltimore

Two goals for the Ravens: clinch the AFC North, and give Jamal Lewis a shot at the single-season rushing record.

RAVENS, 30-16

Cleveland (plus 7) at Cincinnati

The Bengals make the Ravens work for their title.

BENGALS, 34-20

Minnesota (minus 7 1/2) at Arizona

The Vikings rarely win outdoors. The Cardinals rarely win. For the NFC North title …

VIKINGS, 27-20

Tampa Bay (plus 7) at Tennessee

Could the Titans win their division?

TITANS, 14-13

Indianapolis (minus 7) at Houston

Could the Colts lose their division?

COLTS, 31-13

Chicago (plus 10) at Kansas City

As long as the game is at Arrowhead …

CHIEFS, 37-24

St. Louis (minus 10 1/2) at Detroit

The Lions lose at home, too. Rams take home-field advantage in NFC.

RAMS, 41-14

Carolina (minus 5) at Giants

Even if John Fox rests ALL his starters …

PANTHERS, 20-3

Jets (plus 4) at Miami

Herman Edwards over Dave Wannstedt.

JETS, 21-20

Jacksonville (plus 3) at Atlanta

Vick over Leftwich.

FALCONS, 31-23

Oakland (plus 3 1/2) at S.D.

The Chargers are trying harder than the Raiders.

CHARGERS, 26-20

• Last week: 6-10 (spread); 12-4 (straight up)

Overall: 133-102-5 (spread); 152-88 (straight up)