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New England 12, Buffalo 9 (OT)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y., Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Antowain Smith broke off a long run in overtime Sunday to help set up Adam Vinatieri's 23-yard field goal 5:45 into the extra session, lifting the surging New England Patriots to a 12-9 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

A first-round pick of the Bills in 1997, Smith never lived up to expectations in Buffalo and was released during the offseason. He rushed for a 100 yards and a touchdown in a win against his former team earlier this season.

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On Sunday, Smith was held in check for the most part, but broke off a 40-yard run down the right sideline in overtime, moving the ball to the Buffalo one.

Vinatieri, who kicked three field goals earlier in the contest, split the uprights on the next play to give New England the win.

It was the fourth time in the last five meetings that the AFC East rivals had gone to overtime.

On the winning drive, the Patriots were aided by an instant replay after David Patten fumbled and safety Keon Carpenter recovered for the Bills at their 41. But Patten was ruled to be out of bounds when he fumbled along the sideline.

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New England (9-5) won its fourth straight game and moved within one game of first-place Miami in the AFC East. The Patriots host Miami next Saturday.

Shayne Graham kicked three field goals for the Bills (2-11), who completed a 1-7 home schedule.

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