Kevin Faulk, who announced his retirement earlier this season after spending 13 years with the Patriots, was recognized by the team at halftime . . . In honor of Veterans Day, the cushioned base of each goalpost was wrapped in camouflage, the words “Salute to Service” were painted along the back of the end zones, and a flyover from the 439th Airlift Wing in Westover took place near the end of the national anthem, which was sung by the 215th Army Band’s Voices of Freedom. A black seat in the south end of the stadium, which will be permanently unoccupied, was also dedicated . . . It marked the 22d time the Patriots have swept the season series from the Bills. They’ve scored at least 30 points against Buffalo in six straight games . . . Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui got the start, then came out for the second offensive play in favor of Deion Branch. Hoomanawanui was targeted just once, and did not have a completion. Branch finished with four catches for 30 yards . . . Wes Welker’s 7-yard catch on the first drive extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one reception to 103, which predates his time with the Patriots. He also had two drops, but Brady had Welker’s back, saying, “I’m always going to go to him. He’s one of the best to ever play. He has the mental toughness to fight though it. He’ll be fine.” . . . Stephen Gostkowski had an excellent game, making all three of his field goal attempts (43, 48, 27 yards), and preventing the Bills from many kickoff returns. Six of Gostkowski’s eight kickoffs were touchbacks. The other two were returned just 21 and 13 yards.