I don't need to tell you that losing Vince Wilfork for this afternoon's game is a big deal for the Patriots. But maybe I can shed some light on why ...

See, last week, one key to the Bills' running game was the ability of center Geoff Hangartner to handle Ron Brace one-on-one, freeing up other linemen to get to New England's struggling inside linebackers Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton on the second level. So you'd figure if Hangartner could have his way with Brace as he did, Jags vet Brad Meester will have similar success.

If that happens, then Jacksonville should be able to get big bodies on the 'backers, and that could mean trouble up the middle. Maurice Jones-Drew may be short, but he runs inside with power, and that'll be something to watch.

Here's the other thing -- the Patriots often got out of trouble with the Buffalo running game by the Bills shooting themselves in the foot with penalties. Don't expect that to happen again here. Jacksonville is least penalized team in the league (74), and has had the least accepted against it (66).

Really, the other surprise on the inactive list had to be Darius Butler. Shawn Springs will likely pick up the slack, and this should be a good matchup for him, with Jacksonville's big receivers. Nick Kaczur's also a bit of an eye-opener, but I think it's pretty easy to argue the Patriots are better off with Sebastian Vollmer in there.