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Patriots at Bills: Preview, Predictions and More

By Ryan Disdier

Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan shake hands after the game at Gillette Stadium. The Bills defeated the Patriots 16-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan shake hands after the game at Gillette Stadium. The Bills defeated the Patriots 16-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills

I know what you’re probably thinking: the Buffalo Bills beat the New England Patriots earlier this year in Foxboro. They can definitely do it again!

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Stop, please. This Patriots team is astronomically different from the one that dropped a game to the Bills earlier this year. The reason this team is so different is because of one reason—Tom freakin’ Brady.

Brady’s return is being felt firsthand by the rest of the NFL. A lot of people saw this coming, especially since the Patriots are always at their best when the sky appears to be falling. Since returning from his suspension, Brady’s thrown eight touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Additionally, Brady’s completing an absurd 75.2 percent of his passes. Furthermore, Brady’s 132.6 quarterback rating is by far the best in the league. If the Bills were playing a Patriots team starting their third-string quarterback again, then sure, they’d have a chance. But that’s not the case.

It’s fair to give credit where it’s due, and the Bills rebounded so nicely from a bad start. After starting the season 0-2, Rex Ryan’s crew won four straight. They looked impressive, and then Jay Ajayi happened. Ajayi ripped off 214 yards against the Bills’ defense in a demoralizing loss for Ryan’s Bills. Still, the Bills are 4-3, which is better than a lot of people expected them to be. However, it’s no secret that winning the AFC East means dethroning the Patriots.

Picking up a season sweep over New England would do wonders for the Bills down the stretch, should this team become a serious playoff contender.

Keys to Victory

While Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett make up the NFL’s most dominant offensive duo, the Patriots should set up the pass by running the ball. LeGarrette Blount is playing some of the most inspired football of his career.

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Last week, Blount bludgeoned the Steelers to the tune of 127 yards and two touchdowns. If you watched the Bills game last week, you obviously know the defense struggles against the run. Buffalo currently ranks 27th in the league in rush defense.

Using Blount on early downs to soften up the defense will bode well for the Patriots. Once they do that, look out. I don’t think a defense exists that can shut down Brady, Gronk and company. This is the best offense the Patriots have had since 2007. Once the offense gets rolling, there isn’t a whole lot defenses can do.

The lone hope the Bills have is Rex Ryan’s mind. Ryan obviously has a litany of experience against the Patriots, so his experience could play a factor for the Bills. Pressuring Brady could create some frustration for the Patriots’ offensive line.

Odds

Point Spread: New England -6.5
Money Line: New England -265, Buffalo +225
Over/Under: 47

Predictions

I expect New England’s revenge tour to continue. Like I said, there is no defense currently in the NFL that can stop this unit. Additionally, the Patriots are the best team in the NFL by a very wide margin. However, I think this game will start slow. The Bills may even jump out to an early lead. But then the Patriots, like they’ve done in weeks past, will figure out the opposing team’s game plan and pull away easily.

Pick: New England Patriots: 27, Buffalo Bills, 16

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