What happened: Mina Kimes pointed to Buffalo's defensive line as the unit that stands out most on the Bills defense ahead of the game against New England. The pregame focus centers on whether Buffalo's front can set the tone at the line of scrimmage in the Week 4 meeting.

Why it matters: That puts the trenches at the center of Buffalo's matchup with the Patriots as the teams open their season series. If Buffalo controls that area, it can shape down-and-distance early and make New England's margin even thinner.

What to watch: The game will show whether Buffalo's defensive front becomes the defining unit in the matchup. Early pressure and run-defense snaps should be the first signs of how much that edge matters.