2020 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 16
Buffalo Bills (11-3) at New England Patriots (6-8)
Monday, December 28, 8:20PM ET
It seems odd to think that the New England Patriots have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. For decades now, they’ve been one of the few annual locks to taste the postseason. Well, times they are a-changin’ and the Patriots couldn’t avoid changing along with them.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are enjoying a surge. They’ve got one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL in Josh Allen, and Sean McDermott has built up one of the league’s top defenses. Combining the two has helped the Bills climb to the top of the AFC standings in 2020, officially knocking the Patriots from atop the AFC East in the process.
The real reason I’m picking Buffalo in this one is their defense — and the Patriots’ inconsistent, inefficient offense. New England hasn’t been able to get their offense going in 2020, regardless of who’s been under center. While the run game has been a plus at times, I don’t see them getting enough going to outscore Allen and the Bills offense.
Next. NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Chiefs cruise, Jets win. dark
Right now, Buffalo has the look of a legitimate contender. They’re not far off from locking up the AFC East and have been one of the top teams in the conference down the stretch. The Patriots are already down and out, but look for the Bills to deal them another death blow in Week 16.
Prediction: Bills win 35-23