The Buffalo Bills beat the New England Patriots in Week 16 as many expected.

But the game did not go as most anticipated.

The Patriots (3-12) kept this one a lot more interesting in a 24-21 final. While Buffalo won, there were plenty of ups-and-downs to note for the team in a contest they entered as two-touchdown favorites.

With that, here are Bills Wire's five takeaways from Week 16:

Slow start

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The Bills got off to a shocking start against the Patriots in this one. As huge favorites, Buffalo allowed New England to take a huge 14-0 lead. One has to wonder, were the Bills in cruise control early expecting a win? Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott has to make sure that does not happen in his team's final two games.

Not a day for Josh

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While still likely the favorite to win the 2024 NFL MVP Award, Bills quarterback Josh Allen had a less-than-stellar game against the Patriots. Allen struggled with a hand injury in the second half but even early on, he did not make much happen.

But Cook had one

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Taking the load instead for the Bills offense running back James Cook. His 46-yard touchdown helped wake Buffalo up. After that, Cook kept his momentum going even though he did not have a ton of touches... but it got the job done.

Hopefully the secondary is healthy now?

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When Allen is your quarterback, on many occasions, holding a team to 24 points is a big win. Even so, playing a rookie quarterback in the Patriots' Drake Maye, you'd like to be better.

But hopefully health... helps. The Bills defense was without several starters in Week 16 including cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee), safety Taylor Rapp (neck) and linebacker Matt Milano (groin). Those three might be Buffalo's top-three pass defenders.

Survivie and advance...?

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Not comfortable. Not fun for chunks of it. But let's take positives.

As noted, McDermott has to have his team ready for the next two outings against the New York Jets (4-11) and Patriots again, respectively. Not the best teams. One would have to think after this that the Bills won't overlook anyone.

On top of that, a bit of a wake-up call in a win before the postseason? The No. 1 seed is still alive for another week and such a final could even benefit this team. Let's hope.