NFL players in pre-game fight

Several punches were thrown when a shoving match erupted between Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots players near the sideline about an hour before their NFL game on Sunday (Monday AEST).

The altercation appeared to begin when Patriots starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was jogging along the field and was shoved by Bills safety Robert Blanton. Brissett didn't stop, and New England rookie receiver Malcolm Mitchell retaliated by shoving Blanton.

Blanton responded by punching Mitchell in the chest and head-butting him, which led to several other players and assistant coaches getting involved.

Bills safety Aaron Williams shoved a Patriots assistant coach attempting to separate the players.

As the scuffles began to dissipate, Buffalo cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman landed a punch on Blanton's facemask.