David Duprey / Associated Press

Matt Cassel finished an efficient 6-of-8, with 78 yards in windy Ralph Wilson Stadium.

It was over when ...
Stephen Gostkowski's 23-yard field goal gave the Patriots a 13-point lead with 10:18 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Game ball
New England's special teams made the difference in a game played amid wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour. Gostkowski connected on 2-of-3 field goals, while Chris Hanson averaged 48 yards on four punts.

Key stat
Both teams combined for just 33 pass attempts in a game dominated by the run. New England called 44 runs to Buffalo's 31 and won the time-of-possession battle 32:00 to 28:00.

Noteworthy
The Patriots were knocked out of the playoff picture Sunday afternoon when both the Dolphins and Ravens won their games. ... The Patriots have won 16 of their last 17 meetings with the Bills, including the last 11 games. ... The Bills finished the season 0-6 vs. the AFC East. ... New England has won 42 straight games when leading at halftime. ... The Patriots finished the regular season with 57 penalties, beating the record-low 59 set by the Seahawks last year. ... The wind was so strong the goal posts had to be straightened in the second quarter. ... The Bills did not attempt a pass in the first quarter. ... DE Richard Seymour was inactive for the Patriots. Bills RB Marshawn Lynch did not play due to a shoulder injury.